Mark warns Govt over immunities to RJLSC

This in light of the fact that RJLSC member Othneil Sylvester QC is facing the courts in St Vincent and the Grenadines on allegations that he swindled $12 million from a Danish foundation. The matter was reported as being investigated by CCJ president Michael de la Bastide.

The warning came from Opposition Senator Wade Mark during yesterday’s debate in the Senate on the "Variation of Certain Taxes" Bill, piloted by junior Finance Minister Conrad Enill.

Mark asked if the Government knew what it was doing and was "aware of the consequences" of its actions to grant the immunities, especially from legal action. He said it was "more frightening" that Government was seeking to change the effect of the exemptions from the initial May 2005 to August 2003.

He said Government was either "playing games, is totally incompetent, or is using Parliament to commit an inanity." Referring to a newspaper article in April this year, where it was reported that de la Bastide was investigating, Mark pointed out that Sylvester was appointed to the RJLSC in July 2003, and the action against him was filed in February 2004. He said the claim is that the foundation entered into an agreement with the Queen’s Counsel to purchase several acres of land at the Orange Estate in St Vincent.

"Does the Foreign Affairs Minister know that (we are) trying to get involved, and we are asking to give him blatant exemption from legal proceedings that are in train?" Mark asked.

"Is this illegal? Improper? What is the explanation?" Mark insisted. Adding that if such was the case, a man "could rape, thief and mislead and he is in court with the matters against him and you exempt him from further proceedings."

Asked by Leader of Government Business Dr Lenny Saith — if "this is St Vincent," Mark said other Caricom countries will follow Trinidad in putting such immunities in place.

Mark called for the provision to be deleted or be confined to taxation matters only, rather than "giving a blanket."

"We are treading on dangerous ground. Parliament must not become party by implication or extension, or the matter will be misconstrued as covering-up an illegal action.

"We are not supporting this, amend it, let him (Sylvester) go clear his name and not use the law to pander this fella, it’s a serious matter."

Mark pointed out that if Government "felt you slip it in quietly, we are watchful and observant."

Commenting on the recently acquired "sky ship," Mark called on National Security Minister Martin Joseph to "tell us about the balloon floating around which could burst at anytime. Tell us who gave him that idea and what is the kickback and finder’s fee."

About the Bill itself, Mark said while Enill outlined positive effects for Trinidad and Tobago as it related to the "macro economy," he was concerned about the micro economy.

He said the "reality on the ground is that there are problems." Mark said "the health sector was in shambles, poverty was increasing and the nation was living in fear because of the escalating and explosive crime wave."