Headlines:
| Senate gives Dutch the nod to investigate in Jamaica |
|
|
| Friday, 30 November 2007 | |
The way is now clear for Dutch investigators to
interrogate local politicians as part of a probe into the oil lifting firm,
Trafigura Beheer.The Senate Friday gave its stamp of approval to the Affirmative Resolution facilitating Dutch investigators probing the firm. After a protracted debate the Opposition called for a divide vote but did not vote against the resolution, opting instead to abstain. Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne is now empowered to issue the Ministerial Order to give investigators from the Netherlands the green light to question local political officials. She noted that it was Bruce Golding, in his capacity as Opposition Leader, who had asked the Dutch authorities to carry out the investigations based on the belief that Trafigura Beheer had bribed public officials in Jamaica, an offence punishable under Dutch laws. Miss Lightbourne said the matter was placed in the purview of the Attorney General's office. Miss Lightbourne referred to Deputy Solicitor General Stephen Vasciannie's role in the discussions last year. Opposition Spokesman on Justice A.J. Nicholson rose on a point of order but changed his mind. Miss Lightbourne said it was on the basis of a legal opinion by Professor Vasciannie that Dutch Investigators were barred from coming into the island. Professor Vasciannie has found himself in the middle of a controversy between the Government and the Public Services Commission. Prime Minister Bruce Golding reportedly objects to the selection of Professor Vasciannie as the next Solicitor General by the Public Services Commission. |