Beloff QC: Imbert was behind terms of reference expansion

On his second and final day of submissions in the case, in which Udecott is challenging the inquiry proceedings, Beloff argued that Imbert’s submission of an expert report on technical issues in relation to the Cleaver Heights housing project in Arima pushed the inquiry in a certain direction which later saw the terms of reference expanded, in relation to that project.

“This expansion was itself generated by Minister Imbert’s statement,” Beloff said. “It is the natural inference given the sequence of events. There is no other reason why the terms of reference should be expanded to embrace technical defects.” Beloff noted that the expansion of the terms of reference had the effect of disqualifying commissioner Kenneth Sirju from the Cleaver Heights portion of the inquiry. He noted that Udecott raised objections to Sirju in relation to Cleaver Heights even though they were not a party to that project. On the other hand the project’s managing body, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), did not lodge any objections.

“The HDC for their part appear to be entirely agnostic and unconcerned about this particular matter,” Beloff said.

Udecott have noted that Sirju’s family firm KS&P Limited was a failed bidder on a Udecott project. But Beloff argued that Udecott had knowledge of Sirju’s firm since December 2004.

“They still participated in the inquiry,” he said.