Dudus enquiry will not be rushed - George
Published:Friday | January 21, 2011 | 12:00 AM
The Commission of enquiry into the Dudus-Manatt imbroglio retreated from the media glare, early yesterday afternoon, to have discussions with attorneys representing witnesses in a bid to iron out wrinkles relating to the unavailability of persons to testify.
Responding to complaints from clearly frustrated attorneys, commission chairman Emil George said, if necessary, an extension of time would be requested. He noted, however, that he would not force the issue at the expense of fairness.
"If we need more time, we will just have to get it," asserted the soft-spoken chairman. "We will not be rushed."
K.D. Knight, one of the attorneys representing the People's National Party, continued to raise concerns after witnesses showed yesterday but indicated that they would not be available.
"In the scheme of things, who next should be logically placed on the witness stand?" asked Knight.
His question was based on the fact the commission had decided to start with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, to which the diplomatic note containing the extradition department was first dispatched.
Another senior attorney, Hugh Small, who is representing Prime Minister Bruce Golding, also raised concern about what he characterised as the rolling agenda.
Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne, who is also the attorney general; and Solicitor General Douglas Leys are the two being eyed from that ministry.
Dr Lloyd Barnett, the senior attorney representing Lightbourne, is off the island while Leys has already submitted a written statement.
Other witnesses of interest who showed yesterday were attorney Harold Brady, who has already refused to give testimony; Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn and former Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin.
Both Lewin and Llewellyn promised that their statement would be completed in over a week's time, but they would not be available until later.
Llewellyn said, Jeremy Taylor, who heads the extradition unit in her office, would give verbal evidence on January 31.
Lord Gifford, QC, is representing the DPP's office.