AG says Inncogen investigations ‘going well’

ATTORNEY-GENERAL John Jeremie said investigations into alleged corruption in the signing of the US$ 100 million Inncogen agreement under the former UNC government are “going well”. Speaking with the Sunday Newsday following the launch of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy Unit at the Crowne Plaza Friday, Jeremie said the investigations were proceeding apace and Government was receiving the assistance of several foreign jurisdictions.

The AG said he was satisfied with the current status of the investigations which are being spearheaded by Canadian forensic auditing company, Zwaig International and the Police’s Anti-Corruption Bureau, but declined to give any further details. During Thursday’s post-Cabinet news conference at Whitehall, Prime Minister Patrick Manning said: “The investigations are proceeding apace. “In fact, my understanding is that the investigations are making significant headway but I am in no position to explain what that means. That is a matter for the AG.”

At a ceremony at the Hilton Trinidad on Wednesday, Innco-gen was renamed Trinity Power Plant by the consortium of American companies which purchased interests in its failed parent company, York Research Corporation. Asked whether the unearthing of corruption in the Inncogen deal could void the contract signed by this consortium, the Prime Minister replied: “My understanding is yes, but I have heard a different view from a source that is close to the company. “Therefore, out of an abundance of caution we are checking it, but my understanding is yes, it will void the contract.”