The Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has advised that further investigations be conducted into the bribery allegation levelled against Ministry of Amerindian Affairs’ Permanent Secretary Sharon Hicks.
Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the DPP chambers, Liz Rahaman yesterday told Stabroek News that the case file will be returned to the police this morning with the recommendation that a further investigation be conducted in the matter.
Rahaman had previously told this newspaper that the file was forwarded to the DPP’s Chambers sometime last week.
Hicks, who had been functioning as Permanent Secretary of the ministry since last year, was arrested on October 7 after she was allegedly caught in a sting operation accepting a bribe from a contractor who provides security services.
In a statement to the press, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs had subsequently announced that Hicks had been sent on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
After being questioned subsequent to her arrest, Hicks was placed on “substantial bail.”
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had previously told this newspaper that the sting operation was organised after the police received reports of Hicks demanding cash from the contractor in exchange for services at the ministry.
He added that after Hicks was caught in the operation, she was informed of the offence and taken into custody.
For the operation, police used marked bills which were handed over to her by the contractor. Those bills were found in her possession.
