Saturday, September 22 2012

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard said yesterday he did not wish to comment on claims made by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on the controversy surrounding Section 34, for which she fired Justice Minister Herbert Volney

The DPP told Newsday, “My official comment on the matter is no comment.”

He did confirm that he met with the Prime Minister on Wednesday but declined further comment.

On Thursday, during her address to the nation, the Prime Minister said that having met with DPP Gaspard and Chief Justice Ivor Archie she remained convinced that her Cabinet was misled by Volney who had stated in a Cabinet note that the DPP and Chief Justice had given their support for Section 34 to be proclaimed by the President.

Also yesterday, senior police officers told Newsday that they cannot probe anything against Volney unless a formal complaint or report is made to them about alleged misbehaviour in public office or similar offences.

Police officers said if they do receive a formal complaint or report on any matter involving the former Justice Minister it will be investigated.

Attempts to reach Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams on the matter proved futile since calls to his cellphone went unanswered.