Panday rejects PM’s ‘flip-flop’ talk

OPPOSITION LEADER Basdeo Panday yesterday said he could not be bothered by Prime Minister Patrick Manning’s description of him as “the original flip-flop man.” During a PNM rally at the Success/Laventille Composite School on Saturday, the Prime Minister conferred this title upon the UNC leader.  Manning drew references to Panday’s positions on issues such as the Police Reform Bills, Caribbean Court of Justice and his personal bank account in England, to prove his point. Asked what he thought about Manning’s remarks, Panday replied: “I don’t take him on.” He attributed the Prime Minister’s utterances to pure politicking.

On the Landate controversy, Panday hoped that things would become a little clearer once Attorney-General John Jeremie outlines the terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry which will investigate all contracts awarded to NH International and Warner Construction since the PNM returned to office in 2001. Manning announced the creation of this commission of inquiry last Thursday, after initially announcing a one-man commission of inquiry to investigate Landate but then rescinding that decision and referred the matter to the Integrity Commission. The UNC protested that decision, charging that the Commission could only address corruption allegations hanging over the head of Housing Minister Dr Keith Rowley in the Landate affair.

Meanwhile in a statement yesterday, the UNC expressed concern over the delay in appointing the Commission of Inquiry. “We regard as a poor excuse the Prime Minister’s pronouncement that he is awaiting the return to this country of the AG to hold discussions on the issue. We find it strange that in an age of teleconferencing, e-mail, fax and secure telephone, the Prime Minister cannot communicate with his AG on the matter,” the Opposition said. The party suggested that the Commission of Inquiry comprise at least three persons “whose independence, integrity and competence are beyond question.” The UNC also suggested that the Commission “have access to forensic experts, as well as persons with financial, legal and technical experience.”