APNU MP Joseph Harmon has tendered a question to Parliament on the cost of the Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) considering that it has now been reported that proceedings may extend up to December.
In the question dated June 18, Harmon adverted to the fact that both the 2013 and 2014 budgets contained provisions for the Commission of Inquiry into the death of WPA co-leader Dr Walter Rodney.
Harmon noted that in the commission appointing the inquiry issued by President Donald Ramotar on February 6th, it was mandated that the CoI would issue its reports, findings and recommendations within four months or such time as might be directed by the President.
Harmon noted that the four months have since elapsed and counsel to the commission Glen Hanoman has been reported as saying that the CoI will not complete its work by December this year.
Harmon is therefore asking the Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh how much money has been spent so far and how much is projected to be spent by the end of the CoI. The CoI has expended money on bringing witnesses from abroad among other things.
Political observers have expressed surprise that the CoI will go on for as long as December considering that thus far very little information, much less evidence has been presented in relation to the death of Rodney. Analysts see the CoI being used by the PPP/C government for propaganda purposes. Hearings will resume next week with several PPP/C officials to testify.
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