Mullings withdraws statement

There was more uproar in the House today as the controversial forward sales alumina agreement was brought back on the agenda.



When the matter was re introduced today, the energy minister Clive Mullings was expected to withdraw a statement he made about former finance minister, Dr Omar Davies.



First Mr Mullings asked for mercy.



Then he proceeded to what would be a conditional withdrawal.



Two weeks ago, Mr Mullings had accused Dr Davies of being willfully negligent in negotiating a 10-year agreement to forward-sell alumina from Jamalco at a fixed price.



The money was needed at the time to pay off some of the country’s debt.



According to Mr Mullings, Dr Davies was advised to include a clause for a change in the fixed price for alumina should the market conditions change.



But Mr Mullings said Dr Davies ignored the advice.



Last week, Dr Davies demanded that Mr Mullings put forward the evidence or withdraw the statement and the House Speaker Delroy Chuck agreed.



Today Mr Mullings repeated that Dr Davies did not deny the statement when Prime Minister Bruce Golding first made the accusation.



Then the energy minister attempted his conditional withdrawal of the statement but the House speaker would not allow it.



Energy Minister, Clive Mullings and before him House Speaker Delroy Chuck.



During the exchanges, the Leader of Opposition Business, Derrick Kellier was also adamant that a conditional withdrawal would not be tolerated.



After similar insistence from the House Speaker, Mr Mullings relented and withdrew the controversial statement, ending a squabble, which has gone on for three weeks in the House of Representatives.