Probe of Grenadian PM on hold

THE COMMISSION of Inquiry set up to investigate an alleged US$500,000 bribe paid to Grenada Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell, will remain on hold until normalcy returns to the island which was devastated by Hurricane Ivan. Mitchell faces the Herculean task of rebuilding his country which was struck by the hurricane just two weeks after the Governor General-appointed Commission got underway on August 27.

Mitchell’s attorney, Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj SC, said because of the nature of the order of adjournment of the Commission’s hearing by lone Commissioner, Barbadian Queen’s Counsel Dr Richard Cheltenham “there is nothing to worry about at this time, except rebuilding Grenada.” In the wake of the hurricane, Cheltenham adjourned the hearing which started on August 27. Maharaj said the Order of Adjournment by Commissioner Cheltenham on August 27 for the hearing of witnesses and taking of evidence, did not bind the Commission to sit on a particular date. The Commissioner must report within 90 days at close of proceedings. Such a mandate, Maharaj told Newsday, would not be affected by the pending hearing.

“The Commissioner is only mandated to report within that period after hearing is closed,” Maharaj explained. Although Cheltenham has not formally issued any communication over the non sitting of the Commission, Maharaj said it would seem obvious to Grenadians who are the interested party, that hearing must be put on hold. “But legally, the Commission is still underway,” Maharaj added. Maharaj said he spoke to Mitchell about the matter on Wednesday, while the Prime Minister was in Trinidad. “I can say that despite how engrossed Dr Mitchell is with attending to the needs of his country, he expressed willingness and confidence in having the Commission deal with this matter,” Maharaj said. Maharaj added that Mitchell was not taking the matter lightly. It is  alleged PM Mitchell accepted the money in June 2000, while in Switzerland. Mitchell has vehemently denied the allegation.