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Freddie vs. Jagdeo libel case…Luncheon re-examined by plaintiff’s legal team
President Bharrat Jagdeo’s legal team yesterday during cross examination through its witness Dr. Roger Luncheon, sought to explain that the appointment of Indo-Guyanese at the majority of Government agencies has nothing to do with the plaintiff or the cabinet.
As he was being re-examined by Attorney Anil Nandlall in the libel case brought by the President against Freddie Kissoon, Kaieteur News and its Editor Adam Harris, Dr Luncheon was asked to identify who appointed over 40 Indo-Guyanese at the various agencies.
According to Luncheon, those appointments are solely up to the Board of Directors for the respective agencies and the plaintiff or cabinet have nothing to do with it.
Cabinet Secretary - Dr. Roger Luncheon
Nandlall further asked the witness to clarify the reason behind building the first synthetic track at Leonora, West Coast Demerara. However, Kissoon’s lawyer Nigel Hughes objected to the question being asked, stating that the witness had already answered this during examination.
Nandlall then asked about the location of the Olympic–size swimming pool. This question was also objected to by Hughes.
At this point the presiding judge, Justice Brassington Reynolds, intervened and told Nandlall that he would not allow him to go on a “fishing expedition”.
The judge further told Nandlall that as he continues to make observations about the latitude afforded to the defence, a problem would arise there.
Justice Reynolds made it clear that there was no special latitude between the two sides. With regards to judicial appointments, Dr Luncheon through cross examination stated that former Director of Public Prosecutions Dennis Hanomansingh was appointed by the then president, Janet Jagan.
Luncheon further stated that the present DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack was appointed through a constitutional amendment and not the plaintiff.
On the last occasion Luncheon sought to explain the distribution of lands and the award of contracts. He explained that after land preparation is done, the government then invites persons to express interest.
This is advertised in the national newspaper, Dr Luncheon said, while noting that those submitting expressions of interest submit their management plan and financial capabilities.
In the disposal of assets, he also testified that the process is done through public tendering, and once NICIL chooses a bidder, this proposal is submitted to Cabinet.
Regarding Cabinet’s role in offering a “No Objection” in the award of contracts over $15 million, Dr Luncheon said that Cabinet exercises this prerogative once it is satisfied that there is compliance with the Procurement Act and associated regulations.
He said that the Cabinet decision follows a recommendation of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board.
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