PORT OF SPAIN – The coalition People’s Partnership government closed ranks during the early hours of this morning and voted against an opposition inspired motion of censure in the embattled Attorney General Anand Ramlogan as the controversy continues over the early proclamation of Section 34 of the controversial Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act.
By a vote of 25-11, the motion filed by Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Rowley was defeated at the end of a marathon debate that lasted 15 hours and which Ramlogan described as a “personal vendetta”.
Parliament last month repealed the controversial clause that had the effect of allowing people, whose trials have not started after a 10-year period to walk free and a verdict of not guilty entered against them.
Critics, including the main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM), say that it was aimed at supporting businessmen Ish Galbaransingh and Steve Ferguson, who have been described as financiers of the ruling United National Congress (UNC), the biggest partner in the four-member coalition People’s Partnership government.
The two are facing fraud and laundering charges relating to the re-development of the Piarco International Airport in 2001. They are also wanted in the United States on a number of related charges.
Washington, which had sought the extradition of the two men, has already expressed its “concerns” over the legislation. (CMC)
