Ramlogan names new commissioner for Clico/HCU probe

The government of Trinidad and Tobago has appointed a new judge to conduct the one-person investigation into Clico and the Hindu Credit Union (HCU). He is Sir Anthony Colman.

Cabinet made the change Thursday after the retired British judge appointed earlier to conduct the probe, Sir Gavin Lightman, admitted that he had represented Clico and businessman Lawrence Duprey 20 years ago.

Opposition Senator Pennelope Beckles-Robinson first raised the issue about a possible conflict of interest in the Senate two weeks ago. This week she presented documentary evidence to support her allegations.

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, who said initially that Sir Gavin had assured him that he did not have dealings with Duprey or Clico, promised to investigate and take appropriate action.

At a news conference Thursday Ramlogan announced that Sir Gavin was being removed. He said cabinet had approved the appointment of deputy chief justice of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Sir Anthony Colman to conduct the inquiry.

Sir Anthony has an impressive track record as an International Commercial Arbitrator. (Read his full background)

Ramlogan said from his own investigation he was satisfied that sir Gavin did appear for Clico.

He said he had called Beckles-Robinson at her home to get more information and also spoke to other people and then concluded that Sir Gavin appeared for Clico 20 years ago. (Ramlogan was 17 at the time)

He told reporters because of the importance of getting to the root of the Clico fiasco he wanted to be careful not to have the inquiry tainted in any way so he took a note to Cabinet Thursday asking for approval for an alternative commissioner.

He said this was done after discussions with the original commissioner. "Sir Gavin has nobly and honourably accepted that he erred and having given careful consideration he now indicated, by way of e-mail, that he wished to decline the appointment," he said.

He said Sir Gavin was never handed his instrument of appointment and has not conducted any work so there is no need for the President to revoke the appointment.

The AG said Sir Gavin made an "honest mistake" noting that the judge is in his 70s and did not remember the incident that occurred 20 years ago. He said he is certain that Sir Gavin did not intent to mislead him.

“This is not something that could be foreseen or predicted or far less avoided,” he said.

Ramlogan said the new commissioner is a suitable replacement of equal eminence and stature. He said Sir Anthony has accepted the nomination and indicated in writing that he had no conflict of interest. He said he expects the President to hand over Colman’s instrument of appointment within two weeks.