The Government is aware of the anger of citizens over the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd (UDeCOTT) controversy, but Information Minister Neil Parsanlal told reporters Thursday people must be patient.Parsanlal insisted that former UDeCOTT executive chairman, Calder Hart, is innocent until proven guilty. Parsanlal said ministers were satisfied with Attorney General John Jeremie's "comprehensive statement on the matter.
Jeremie revealed that his office started a criminal investigation of Hart last September after UDeCOTT filed legal action to block the Uff inquiry into UDeCOTT and the construction sector.
Read the story: Canadian investigator probing Hart on behalf of TT gov't: AG
Parsanlal said Hart was free to leave the country because he has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
"We hear allegations of all kinds of people, does that mean we stop speaking to them? Does that mean we stop seeing them? Nothing has been charged as yet and as the Attorney General has indicated, there is an investigation going on.
"We are still awaiting the report from the Commission of Enquiry and whatever happens with those reports," he said.
Parsanlal told the media the Government did what its duty by setting up a Commission of Enquiry. And he insisted that the Government cannot and will not proclaim someone guilty before the person is charged.
He said the report from the Commission of Enquiry is expected to be released in three weeks and then the issue will be dealt with. The minister admitted there is anger all over the country but the process must go through its natural course.
"Yes, it is a matter of concern, yes we feel there has been anger in the population and we are very much aware of that and that is why I have indicated the Attorney General has adopted a particular course of action and we prefer to let that take its course, so in the fullness of time whoever has to be vindicated will be vindicated, if anyone has to be charged then that person will be charged," he said
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