Statement of Minister Franklin Khan

I wish to categorically deny the allegations made by Mr Dhansam Dhansook in a letter sent to the Prime Minister in February 2004, alleging that he had made payments to me by way of bribes. Mr Dhansook was a personal friend of mine and former schoolmate, close enough that prior to my entry in Government we were business partners to the extent that I even loaned him money. He is also the councillor for the Ecclesville, part of which falls in my constituency of Ortoire-Mayaro. It pains me that my confidence was betrayed by someone I considered a friend and colleague, especially since Mr Dhansook has used the proceeds of cheques sent to me in repayment of a personal loan granted to him in 2002, prior to my entry in Government, in an effort to smear my name.

The cheques issued by Mr Dhansook from October 2002 were simply repayments arising from this transaction with someone I considered a friend. I have every confidence that my name will be vindicated in this matter and have already indicated my intention to cooperate fully with the Integrity Commission. I have also decided to make available to the authorities copies of these cheques made out by me to Mr Dhansook and his wife Ramrowtee, in July 2002, prior to my entry into Government. I should also let you know that all payments produced by Mr Dhansook and made out to me, were declared by me to the Integrity Commission in my first filing as a person in public life and this can easily be confirmed by a perusal of the public records of the Integrity Commission.

Mr Dhansook has since apologised to me for his attempt to sully my character and has sworn to an affidavit  admitting his baseless claims. (I make now copies of this affidavit available to the media). This matter has been a source of great distress to me and my family, and I intend to leave no stone unturned to ensure that I am fully cleared of these unfounded charges. I have retained legal counsel in this matter and I intend to avail myself of all my options to ensure my full and complete vindication of these baseless charges. You should appreciate therefore that I will be constrained in making any further statements on the issue.