Humphrey objects to Guerra’s questions

ATTORNEY Theodore Guerra SC, yesterday abruptly ended his questioning of former Housing Minister John Humphrey, after Humphrey threatened to reconsider giving evidence, saying he was being asked the same questions over and over and inferences were being made which he couldn’t tolerate.

He had to be advised by Chairman Clinton Bernard to “cool it”. Humphrey was being questioned for the third day yesterday by Guerra at the Commission of Inquiry into the Piarco Airport development project. Humphrey exploded following questions about whether contractor Northern Construction Limited (NCL) did work for free on the project which caused Humphrey to “toast” them as the best contractor in the country. Humphrey obviously offended, said Guerra was leading him to a point where he would have to consider if he should continue to appear before the Commission. He complained that the same questions were being asked of him over and over and said “I don’t have to sit here and tolerate this.”

Bernard calmly advised Humphrey not to lose his temper. But Humphrey persisted saying he knew exactly what Guerra was trying to do and he wouldn’t tolerate it. Humphrey said Guerra wanted to ask him two questions, which were whether he (Humphrey) was involved in any conspiracy to defraud the people of the country, or if he knew of any conspiracy to defraud the people. Humphrey said he would answer no to both questions and insisted that Guerra should ask him things he knew about. Humphrey later told the Commission that any question put to him which he was not engaged in personally or about which he had no first hand knowledge he would remain silent. Humphrey even joked that Guerra was pushing him to the point where he could become 40 years again. At that point after numerous assurances from Bernard that if Guerra went out of line he would put a stop to it, and complimented Humphrey on his invaluable contribution to the inquiry, Guerra announced that he had no more questions for Humphrey. Guerra said he had no intention of rejuvenating a geriatric and ex-pressed his gratefullness to Humphrey.

Earlier, Humphrey also voiced his objections to Guerra’s  questions saying Guerra was trying to have him admit that NCL was a preferred contractor based on the fact that NCL got several contracts at prices above the tendered prices. Bernard told Humphrey that Guerra was entitled to ask him the questions but Guerra would not be allowed to harass him. He also reminded Humphrey that his attorney Sean Cazabon would re-examine him on matters which needed to be clarified. Humphrey also complained yesterday that the Commission’s junior attorney Margaret Rose was combatively prompting Guerra, “like if she’s fighting me”. Humphrey vowed to take Rose on. Again he was advised by Bernard that it was Rose’s duty to assist her senior. Guerra’s line of questioning to Humphrey was based on the CP9 contract to NCL. The inquiry will resume today at 9.30 am.