ATTORNEY General Reginald Armour, SC, has questions to answer on the role of his predecessor, Faris Al-Rawi, over the controversial collapse of the case against former UNC attorney general Anand Ramlogan, SC, and ex-UNC senator Gerald Ramdeen.
The questions come from the Law Association (LATT) which on Friday broke its silence two weeks after Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard, SC, announced the discontinuance of the case against Ramlogan and Ramdeen.
The association’s statement came after heavy criticisms from the legal fraternity and the Opposition for its “deafening silence” over the collapse of the case and shocking revelations that the State’s main witness, convicted King’s Counsel Vincent Nelson, was unwilling to testify at this time.
In announcing the decision to discontinue the case, Gaspard said Nelson was unwilling to give evidence until a civil claim he has filed against the Government, for breach of an indemnity agreement, is determined.
Rural Development and Local Government Minister Al-Rawi, as the then AG, signed the agreement on behalf of Government.
Nelson, 64, is suing for over $96 million saying he suffered loss of earnings after being expelled from a prestigious UK firm; loss of insurance benefits; the $2.5 million fine he was ordered to pay when he pleaded guilty; and additional sums if the UK authorities make demands on him for alleged unpaid taxes.
In its statement on Friday, the association said it refrained, over the last two weeks, from commenting as “each day disclosed even more startling revelations.”
It admitted being unable to comment on all issues but it has questions for Armour, warning that the absence of a full and robust explanation and response from him “will encourage speculation of wrongdoing or covering up of wrongdoing."
In a three-page statement, the LATT admitted it was not in a position to determine if there has been corruption, misfeasance in public office or politically-motivated prosecution of any public official, politician or attorney.
INDEMNITY DEAL HIGHLY UNUSUAL
It said that high public office holders must operate within and respect the boundaries of their respective offices.
Pointing out that the AG can lawfully receive information on criminal activities from any source, the association said Armour must say if Al-Rawi had any involvement, or participation, in the collection of evidence for the purpose of prosecution.
[caption id="attachment_982020" align="alignnone" width="683"] Former AG Faris Al-Rawi. FILE PHOTOS -[/caption]
“It is our view that the signing of an indemnity agreement in 2017, was highly unusual and made more worrying because it appears that Mr Vincent Nelson, KC, continued to be the recipient of financial benefits from Government after it was signed; moreover, the alleged agreement appears to contemplate additional benefits to the proposed witness,” the LATT statement said.
Pointing to clause 4 of the Nelson indemni
