Mark, Montano claim cover-up

He made the statement in the Senate after UNC Senator Wade Mark called for the Government to make a statement on the allegations by Vernon Paul, who claims to have information that certain PNM officials were involved in the case. Speaking in the Senate yesterday during debate on the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, Mark called for "a categorical statement" to be made by Leader of Government Business, Lenny Saith, or AG Jeremie, on whether an investigation would take place.

He said, "You can’t allow serious criminal charges to be levelled at your feet in your 50th year of existence and remain silent."

Mark said he was concerned for his own safety because he did not know if he could also become a victim after Baksh.

Responding to Mark, Jeremie said the matter was with the police. "The police have made two statements on the matter and we intend to allow the process to play itself out."

On several occasions, vice-president of the Senate Rawle Titus had to caution Mark to stick to the Bill being debated. Titus said the matter was under investigation.

Opposition Senator Robin Montano was not satisfied with Jeremie’s answer, saying, "Mr Speaker, a matter under investigation is not subjudice, and the so called investigation has been taking place for approximately four years." Montano said when the AG said the issue was being investigated, the UNC understood this to mean "cover-up" and nothing was being done.

Mark allowed Jeremie the chance to reply again. Jeremie denied any Government involvement in a cover-up and reminded the UNC of its inaction when allegations were made during its time in government. "Five years ago, the response which the country heard religiously with respect to matters of this sort was uniform — ‘Take it to the police’— those were the statements which were heard." Jeremie said cases were given to a police officer who could not read, write or spell and the Anti-Corruption Bureau was starved of resources.

"So taking it to the police meant nothing happened. This Government strives for transparency and morality in public affairs. We shall do whatever is required to get to the bottom of every allegation."

The cross-talk which ensued from the AG’s statements prompted Titus to again rise and caution members to return to the bill. Mark said he was owed ten minutes for Jeremie’s interruptions.