AG challenges authenticity of Hart documents

Trinidad and Tobago's Attorney General told Parliament Friday that there has been no confirmation of the authenticity of documents showing a family link between Calder Hart and directors of a company that won million-dollar government contracts.

The documents were produced by the Congress of the People (COP). The COP claims the birth certificates of Sherrine Hart and her sister, Lee Soeh Ching, and the marriage certificate of Lee Soeh Ching and Ng Chin Poh, a director at CH Development, were obtained from Malaysian authorities.

READ THE STORY: COP demands halt to UDeCOTT projects, dimissal of Calder Hart

But John Jeremie told the House of Representatives there is no truth to newspaper reports that Interpol had confirmed that the documents are authentic.

"I wish to report that the Anti-Corruption Investigations Bureau and the Central Authority have been diligently pursuing this matter. No such confirmation from either Interpol or the Malaysian Central Authority has been received," Jeremie told MPs.

"While the Anti-Corruption Investigation Bureau and the Central Authority pursues its work, it would not be distracted by attempts by some to benefit politically or otherwise from what are serious matters. I urge the national media and the population to be discerning of unverified reports and conspiracy theories," he said.

Jeremie also spoke about the Abu Bakr affidavit matter in which police have interviewed Prime Minister Patrick Manning.

He noted that he had already addressed the Parliament on the issue and reiterated his view that the investigation is "erroneous, improper and in direct contravention to the order of the Court of Appeal".

READ THE REPORT: Police question PM Manning on Bakr affidavit

He said despite the origin of the affidavit, police have an obligation to investigate and "the Honourable Prime Minister has the right to answer the allegations which have been made in the affidavit".

He adeed, "This is exactly what I understand to be taking place. The Honourable Minister of Works was a member of Cabinet at the time that these matters are alleged to have taken place and therefore is a likely candidate for interview in the investigative process. Other Government ministers are in a similar position. That is all that has transpired thus far."

Jeremie said, "The law is taking its course as it must, for there to be integrity in the legal process. There is nothing that has taken place which warrants the dramatic and sensationalist headlines which have been dominating our nation’s media."

He suggested that the motive for the media reporting on the matter might be "to disseminate misinformation with a clear purpose of disturbing the peace and stability to which we have grown accustomed under this current administration."

The AG said Government is committed to finding and investigating corruption wherever it exists.