Costly MOUs

Manatt commission learns of the price of interception system as outlined in controversial documents

Hugh Small, the attorney representing Prime Minister Bruce Golding, revealed that US$3.2 million was paid to facilitate the establishment of an elaborate system to intercept information. These details formed some of the contents of at least two memoranda of understanding.

However, the Dudus-Manatt commission of enquiry did not hear whether local telephone service providers Digicel or Cable and Wireless (now LIME) benefited from the financial arrangements.

Small was cross-examining former minister of national security, Dr Peter Phillips, at the enquiry when he asked a question on the issue.

But before Small had reached very far, Phillips' attorney, Patrick Atkinson, objected.

Atkinson insisted that classified information should not be disclosed as previously ruled by Chairman Emil George.