Public Accounts Committee to review Nandlall’s law books issue

Georgetown, GINA, June 3, 2016

The Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly will soon review the matter where former Attorney General Anil Nandlall has taken possession of law books bought with public funds.

The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, at a recent press conference indicated that the matter was previously with the Auditor General.

“The Auditor General had indicated to us that he was written to by Former President, Donald Ramotar, that an arrangement was in place for the then government to use public funds to purchase the books, and Nandlall would keep them in his possession… Under the Audit Act, we reject that position offered to us,” Minister Williams said.

Williams said his position is, once there a criminal offence is disclosed the matter should go to the police for criminal charges to be laid.

Responding to questions posed by media operatives, the Attorney General indicated that it was just a matter of time before the public see exactly what their government is doing regarding the results of the many forensic audit reports.

“We cannot essay what our next moves will be as persons will know what we are coming with and will seek to jump the country…we already have one man who jumped the country,” Williams explained.

In responding to whether he is disposed to the idea of the former AG returning or paying for the books, Williams indicated that it was not him to make such a decision, but rather Cabinet will have to discuss it.

Upon assuming office, Minister Williams indicated that millions of dollars worth of law books purchased under the former administration to enhance the capabilities of the Attorney General and by extension the office, were missing.

An investigation was subsequently launched and the then Permanent Secretary, Indira Anandjit, was sent on administrative leave.