By Andre Bagoo Monday, October 19 2009

The Lower House is scheduled to sit from 1.30 pm to debate the Commission of Inquiry (Validation and Immunity from Proceedings) Bill 2009. The bill, which aims to remedy a legal defect stemming from the failure of the State to gazette the inquiry in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act, has already been passed unanimously in the Senate.

Among the key speakers in the debate will be Diego Martin West MP Dr Keith Rowley who last week indicated he will be contributing to the debate. All eyes will also be on Prime Minister Patrick Manning who has not spoken out about the controversy surrounding his administration’s handling of the Uff Inquiry.



However even as the State has moved to preserve the inquiry, Udecott has maintained a suit of court actions aimed at challenging the proceedings. This month, High Court judge Justice Mira Dean-Armorer signed off on a consent order worked out between Udecott and lawyers for the inquiry which effectively prevented the commissioners from penning an interim report.



That order has since been vacated and replaces with yet another consent order which now impels the commissioners to instead give Udecott 28 days notice before the publication and or submission of a report to President George Maxwell Richards.