By Andre Bagoo Sunday, October 11 2009

CHAIRMAN of the Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute, Victor Hart, yesterday warned that the Uff Commission of Inquiry is being held “hostage” by Udecott notwithstanding the vacating of a court order which had paralysed the inquiry.

“It is unacceptable that Udecott continues to hold the inquiry hostage by requiring 28 days notice before any further hearings or the submission of its report to the President,” Hart said.

“The President has a right to receive a report as stated in his mandate to the commissioners, an order that did not say anything about the commissioners first having to get Udecott permission. The people have a right to know the outcome of the inquiry set up in their name and costing them tens of millions of dollars.”

He continued, “Udecott’s agreement to a modification of the High Court order that suspended the Uff Commission of Inquiry so as to allow a partial resumption of proceedings does not go far enough. The Attorney General is reported as saying “I am happy” and, if so, he is one of a dwindling minority of citizens.”

“All unbiased observers are amazed that Government is allowing ‘the tail to wag the dog’. Why is Udecott allowed to spend taxpayers’ money to fight a Cabinet appointed and taxpayers funded inquiry?”

“Where is the voice of Corporation Sole, the Minister of Finance, or Udecott’s line minister in all of this? Why is the Udecott board not replaced and the legal challenges to the inquiry withdrawn so as to bring an end to citizens’ distress and embarrassment over this matter? Civil society should raise a louder voice and force our leaders to listen,” he said.