‘In camera’ session

YESTERDAY’S 164th sitting of the Commission of Inquiry into the Piarco Airport development project lasted just over an hour but no evidence was taken.

The session was held “in camera” where former NIPDEC Chairman Edward Bayley’s attorneys made submissions. Bayley is represented by attorneys Sonny Maharaj SC and Stuart Young. Following the submissions, Noel Garcia, NIPDEC’s former General Manager, was told to return on Monday when he is expected to be questioned by Maharaj. Prior to the “in camera” session, Chairman Clinton Bernard said he wanted to make a statement but he never did. He did not say what the statement was about. He also appeared reluctant to allow Maharaj to make further submissions, telling him the Commission had given him (Maharaj) a lot of leeway so far. But Maharaj noted that two weeks ago when he was allowed to make “in camera” submissions,  he was advised to look at certain areas of the evidence. In that regard he announced his intention to make further “in camera” submissions. The inquiry is expected to wrap up in early July. So far 66 persons have given evidence.