Khan mum on Dhansook bacchanal

WORKS and Transport Minister Franklin Khan yesterday opted not to add any additional statements to a corruption scandal over allegations of bribery paid to him by PNM Councillor Dansam Dhansook. Khan’s “no comment” stance was in response to reports that Dhansook was under duress when he signed a declaration clearing Khan of bribery which allegedly took place on July 6, 2004. Dhansook was reported as saying he stood by his complaints made on February 2004, to Prime Minister Patrick Manning, which has been referred to the Integrity Commission.

When asked by Newsday about the report, Khan said “all the facts will be laid out.” He hastily added that he did not wish to make any further comments. Khan said he had already spoken about the matter last Friday. Asked whether he was considering legal action, Khan said he was exploring his options. In Dhansook’s letter to the PM, he alleged that he (Dhansook) had paid a $75,000 bribe to Energy Minister Eric Williams as well as a bribe to Khan, and he had received death threats.

The letter was read in the House of Representatives last Wednesday by Siparia MP Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who also called for the matter to be referred to the Fraud Squad and the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Dhansook cancelled a press conference last Friday at Crowne Plaza, where he would have allegedly read a prepared script in exchange for written assurances that no legal action would be taken against him. Yesterday, Persad-Bissessar said she was still calling on Prime Minister Patrick Manning to “do the decent thing” and refer the issue to the Anti-Corruption Investigations Bureau and the Fraud Squad.