Commission of Inquiry deferred until April
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Contact: Julita Peter
Monday, March 2, 2009 – Sittings of the Commission of Inquiry into supposed losses incurred under the former administration have been deferred until April.
A meeting of the Commission on Tuesday, lasted just about an hour before it was adjourned as a result of the non appearance of witnesses and Legal Counsels and their clients—Elliotte Mortley representing former Minister for Communications, Works, Transport and Public Utilities, Felix Finisterre and Anthony Astaphane, representing Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony.
Counsel to the Commission, Reginald Amour said erroneous reporting in the electronic and print media may have led members of the public to believe that the Inquiry concluded on February 25th. Commission Chairman, Sir Fenton Ramsahoye urged the media and other entities connected with the inquiry to be responsible in their reporting.
"Those of us who are entrusted with public responsibilities are expected to fulfil those responsibilities with intellectual and moral integrity. That applies as much to the media, as it applies to the Commission, to Counsel to the Commission and to the lawyers who represent the parties. Fairness is a function of that integrity,” Sir Fenton said.
Noting that the Inquiry is intended for the public domain, Sir Fenton assured that it will be conducted in the simplest manner.
“Nothing will be disguised. Everything will be done simply, so that any member of the public will be able to understand what went on, and will be able to understand the basis on which we eventually arrive at our conclusion,” he added.
In its mandate to make a full, faithful and impartial inquiry, the Commission will be conducting its inquiry in two parts — the investigative period and the oral period. The Commission will use the remainder of March to continue its investigative work, and will also give persons identified as witnesses, the time to respond to questions.
The matters being investigated by the Commission include the administration and management of the National Conservation Authority, the Rochamel Loan Guarantee and the Road Development Projects one and two—which initially was estimated at forty- three million dollars, but cost the Government of Saint Lucia one hundred and thirty-three million dollars.
The three-member Commission are Sir Fenton Ramsahoye Q.C., Justice of Appeal Mr. Mustapha Ibrahim and Mr. Reginald Dumas.
According to the Procedural Order, all who intend to communicate with the Commission are required to lodge their contact details with the Commission Secretariat at telephone numbers 451-6807/452-6565, Fax-458-1416 or email: inquiry@gosl.gov.lc |
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