Fomer T&T AG says Uff probe can be salvaged

Former Attorney General Bridgid Annisette-George told the Trinidad Express Wednesday the Commission of Enquiry into the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT) and the construction sector can be accepted under common law.

But she offered no comment on who was responsible for the failure to gazette the inquiry as required by law. "My whole attitude to this is that I have reverted to private life and I have no comment," she told the paper.

Former commissioner, Israel Khan, has said the gazetting responsibility falls under the Attorney General Ministry. Annisette George held that portfolio when President Max Richards appointed the commission in September 2008.

Annisette-George did not comment on Khan's position but told the Express the failure to gazette the probe was unfortunate.

She said she agrees with Commission chairman Prof. John Uff who has said the proceedings are legal under common law and that fixing the problem is a simple matter.

She also supported a call by former cabinet colleague Keith Rowley call for the Government to introduce a Validation bill to give retroactive effect to the commission under the Commission of Enquiry Act.

Attorney General John Jeremie told reporters on Monday that he is awaiting advice from his lawyers before he decides on the best course of corrective action regarding the non-gazetting of the Commission.

The inquiry has so far cost $11 million.