Defence objects to ‘hearsay’ evidence

Four new witnesses testified yesterday as the inquiry into the Piarco Airport Development Project continued. Taking the stand were two members of the Cabinet Secretariat, a tax officer and another one of the investigating officers of corruption allegations which led to the arrests of eight persons now before the court. First to take the stand was retired Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister and PS to the Cabinet, Zaida Rajnauth, who was led in evidence by prosecution attorney Gilbert Peterson SC and later cross- examined by defence attorney Frank Solomon SC.

Under questioning, Rajnauth identified a cabinet document which was later tendered into evidence by Solomon. After Rajnauth’s testimony, the present Cabinet Secretary, Andre Leung Woo-Gabriel also gave evidence. She also identified several documents to the court. Tax officer with the Board of Inland Revenue, Michael Richardson, also testified yesterday. It was during his testimony that  Solomon accused Peterson of leading the witness into hearsay evidence. “I want it on the record, that all of this hearsay cannot be eradicated because it has already been said,” Solomon told presiding magistrate, Sherman Mc Nicolls.

Peterson explained that there was nothing wrong with his approach of leading the witness through his evidence and told the defence attorney to clear up whatever he wished during cross-examination of the witness. Richardson’s evidence was followed by that of another officer attached to the Anti-Corruption Investigations Bureau (ACIB). PC Clarence Burnette of the ACIB testified that he assisted with the investigations pertaining to the matter which was presently before the court.

Eight persons and three companies are charged with 21 offences relating to the new terminal development project at Piarco Airport. They are former government ministers Brian Kuei Tung and Russel Huggins; CEO of Northern Construction Ltd (NCL) Ishwar Galbaransingh; financial comptroller of NCL, Amrith Maharaj; CEO of Maritime General Insurance Company John Henry Smith; Maritime Group of Companies chairman Steve Ferguson; company secretary Barbara Gomes; businesswoman Renee Pierre, together with Fidelity Insurance and Leasing Company Ltd. Hearing resumes on Monday.