IC begins probe of Bakr's alleged deal with Manning

The Integrity Commission has started an investigation into the contents of the controversial affidavit sworn by Jamaat al Muslimeen leader, Yasin Abu Bakr, and filed in court proceedings in 2006.

It's the second time the affidavit has come up in a probe to determine whether former Prime Minister Patrick Manning breached Trinidad and Tobago's anti-corruption laws.

Bakr's affidavit alleges that he made a deal with Manning in 2002 to help Manning and the People's National Movement (PNM) win marginal seats in the genral election in exchange for favours from Manning, who was prime minister at the time.

Bakr had presented the affidavit to support his claim against the State in which he said he did not have to pay compensation for damage to the police headquarters and the parliament building during the failed 1990 coup, which he led.

But the courts rejected the affidavit. At the Privy Council, the Law Lords ruled that the document was irrelevant to the case but at the same time expressed deep concerns about the implications if such an agreement had been made between Bakr and Manning.

The Privy Council said if such a deal had been made it would be a private arrangement between the two men and therefore could not be used as evidence that the state made any such deal.

But at the same time it stated clearly that both Manning and Bakr would have been in breach of the Integrity in Public Life Act if in fact there was a deal. Manning has admitted to meeting with Bakr but has always said there was no deal.

Last year a court ordered the sale of 11 properties owned by Bakr to recover the more than $32 million owing to the state.

A report in the Trinidad Guardian says Bakr went to the Commission's office Wednesday and handed in a written statement, outlining details of the alleged deal he made with Manning in 2002.

The paper said the Muslieem leader did not speak with reporters following his haf-hour meeting with the Commission.