THE female immigration officer in Barbados who is accused of 'finger raping' Jamaican Shanique Myrie will now have to testify in a suit brought by Myrie against the Barbadian Government.

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) yesterday ruled that a statement be taken from the officer by Roger Forde, Queen's Counsel, who is representing the Government of Barbados in the case, according to Myrie's attorney Michelle Brown.

The CCJ's ruling follows an application by Myrie for the woman to give evidence. The application was heard via video link from the Supreme Court building in downtown Kingston.

Meanwhile, the Government of Jamaica, which entered the matter last year, was permitted to call four witnesses.

The case will start on March 4 when the CCJ, due to issues relating to cost, will sit in Jamaica until the 12th of the month. It will then move to Barbados where it will continue on March 18 and run to the 22nd. Oral submissions will be made in the CCJ's home base of Trinidad.

The dates were set last December during a case management conference in the CCJ. The court made an order then that all relevant documents are to be filed and served between January 8 and February 7.

Myrie, who accused immigration officials in Barbados of sexually assaulting her at the Grantley Adams International Airport more than a year ago, is seeking redress from the Barbados Government.

Documents filed with the CCJ show that Myrie is claiming J$118,000 (US$1,340) in special damages to cover the cost of airline ticket, medical expenses and a slipper.

She is also seeking unspecified amounts for exemplary damages, aggravated damages and interest and an apology from the Government of Barbados.