A High Court justice will deliver a pivotal ruling on June 24 in the civil lawsuit against suspended physician Dr. Avinash Sawh, marking the culmination of a dramatic legal battle over alleged racial discrimination, workplace abuse, and medical misconduct. Justice Christopher Sieuchand fixed the decision date following two days of intensive virtual proceedings that exposed deeply contentious allegations between the parties.
The case centers on claims by former employee Chantelle Arielle Figaro, who alleges constructive dismissal, assault, battery, and breach of contract during her employment at Sawh’s Medical Associates from October 2019 to October 2020. Figaro contends the physician and his wife Allison Dass-Sawh created a hostile work environment characterized by verbal abuse, racial slurs, and withheld overtime compensation.
During cross-examination by Figaro’s attorney Prakash Ramadhar, Dr. Sawh made several startling admissions. He acknowledged breaching COVID-19 quarantine protocols by entering his medical facility around midnight, though he claimed this was solely for sanitization purposes. The doctor also conceded to using racially offensive language, describing his own behavior as ‘abhorrent’ and admitting to uttering phrases including ‘dunce niggers’ and allegations that certain individuals ‘take bribes.’
‘In moments of anger I used racial language,’ Sawh testified, though he maintained he couldn’t recall his exact wording. The courtroom heard recorded evidence from October 28, 2020, capturing Sawh’s derogatory remarks directed at Figaro following a clinic visit by her relative, a police officer.
Sawh further acknowledged that despite initially stating Figaro performed no nursing duties, she indeed undertook such responsibilities. However, he vehemently denied allegations of sexual harassment and assault, including specific claims that he slapped Figaro’s buttocks on July 31, 2020. ‘I never touched her,’ he asserted, adding he never found her attractive.
The physician also rejected claims of unsafe medical practices, insisting that while he instructed staff to administer drugs, this only occurred under his direct supervision. He dismissed allegations regarding expired medications and equipment malfunctions as ‘fabricated.’
Allison Dass-Sawh, who handled administrative and payroll matters, admitted to using obscene language in recorded conversations but claimed the evidence had been edited. She denied creating a toxic environment or forcing Figaro’s resignation, though acknowledged timesheets contradicting overtime claims weren’t included in her witness statement.
Defense witness Annalisa Ralph Sammy testified she witnessed no inappropriate behavior during the alleged assault incident, though security footage reportedly reviewed wasn’t presented in court.
Figaro seeks damages for psychological harm including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, plus loss of future earnings and reputational damage. This civil case follows Sawh’s 2023 one-week suspension by Trinidad and Tobago’s Medical Board for ‘infamous and disgraceful conduct’ related to the same incident, which sparked widespread social media outrage and calls for license revocation.
