Lawyers in CLICO probe ‘not axed’

PORT-OF-SPAIN – Attorney General Anand Ramlogan said there was need to streamline the investigative efforts in the Clico probe to “ensure that the state gets the best legal value for its dollar”.Ramlogan said, Monday night, this was necessary “lest the candle cost more than the funeral in this matter”.He was responding to Monday’s Express lead story, which stated that legal teams in six separate jurisdictions investigating allegations relating to the CL Financial empire had been terminated because of the mounting financial burden.A Press release issued by Rebecca Robinson, adviser of the Policy and Media Research Unit, Ministry of the Attorney General, stated that there was no truth in the allegation that teams of lawyers working in at least six separate jurisdictions on the international criminal investigation against the CL Financial Empire once led by Lawrence Duprey had all been terminated.The release stated: “In fact, the office of the Attorney General has been and remains in close contact with the principal legal advisers on the Clico investigation. Mr Edward Davis Jr, for example, whose services were allegedly terminated, is in Trinidad and Tobago at the request of the AG to further the work of his United States-based firm, Astigarraga Davis.“Likewise, the Central Authority Unit of the Ministry of the Attorney General (MOAG) has been in contact with James Lewis, QC, of Britain. Ramlogan has also been in regular contact with forensic specialist Robert Lindquist.“Upon assuming office, the local team of lawyers comprising SC Douglas Mendes, Frederick Gilkes, Michael Quamina and Stewart Young offered to return their briefs in this matter and the offers were accepted by the AG.“This decision was necessary after a critical review was undertaken [to determine] the nature of and necessity for the work done by the local team and the overall cost implications.”The release added: “The AG is confident that the legal officers at the MOAG can adequately deal with this matter in conjunction with the foreign assistance and advice that continues to guide this investigation.“In so far as legal advice and representation is necessary in other jurisdictions, this will continue as and when necessary, but the suggestion that “legal teams” in various counties were simultaneously and continuously working on the investigation is incorrect . . . .“The AG has given no instructions for terminating the services of any foreign advisers in this matter to date. (Trinidad Express)