2 more testify in Piarco probe
THE preliminary inquiry into allegations of corruption arising out of the Piarco development project continued yesterday at the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court. Two witnesses testified. The matter was heard in the Eighth Court before Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls. Those who gave evidence were Contracts and Procurement Manager, Glen Lezama, of Coronation Street, Aranjuez, San Juan; and Manager of Operations and Business Development in Information Technology (IT) at First Citizens Bank (FCB), Derick Turpin, of Ruby Street, Diego Martin. Lezama was recalled as a witness who testified in September 2005. He was examined by defence attorney Vernon De Lima and cross-examined by attorney Gillian Lucky. During examination by Lucky, documents were marked and tendered into evidence. Turpin, who was the second witness to testify, was examined by State prosecutor Gilbert Peterson SC. Eight persons and three companies are charged with a total of 21 offences relating to the new terminal development project at Piarco Airport. They include former government ministers Brian Kuei Tung and Russel Huggins; CEO of Northern Construction Ltd (NCL) Ish Galbaransingh; CEO of Maritime General Insurance Company John Henry Smith; Maritime Group of Companies chairman Steve Ferguson; company secretary Barbara Gomes; businesswoman Renee Pierre, and Fidelity Insurance and Leasing Company Ltd. Hearing resumes today.
Comments
"2 more testify in Piarco probe"