Thursday, January 27 2005

ASP Maurice Piggott, head of the Anti-Corruption Investigations Bureau, was back on the witness stand yesterday and was cross examined by defence attorney Vernon De Lima. During the proceedings, Piggott was again chastised by attorney De Lima, who accused the witness of changing his testimony and as a result, told him he was a disgrace to the Police Service.

De Lima was referring to evidence given earlier in the week by Piggott, who said he had to refer to notes made during his investigation of the matter which is now before the court.  During his questioning by the attorney, Piggott told De Lima  he did not want him to see the notes he made. He explained that it was on checking the notes he made, that he had to resort to changing his responses to certain questions already posed to him. Eight persons and three companies are charged with a total of 21 offences relating to the new terminal development project at Piarco Airport.

They are Brian Kuei Tung and Russel Huggins, former government ministers Ish Galbaransingh, CEO of Northern Construction Ltd (NCL); John Henry Smith, CEO Maritime General Insurance Company; Steve Ferguson, chairman of the Maritime Group of Companies, company secretary Barbara Gomes, businesswoman Renee Pierre, and Fidelity Insurance and Leasing Company Ltd. Hearing resumes today.