Antigua controversy…Guyanese lawyer could still be appointed

Jan 22, 2012 News

St. John’s, Antigua – Guyanese attorney, Sanjeev Datadin, could still be appointed as an assistant to the police to investigate the IHI Debt Settlement issue and other matters related to serious commercial fraud, the Antigua Observer reported on Friday.
The police have taken the matter to the Police Service Commission (PSC), asking for the attorney to be appointed.
This development, revealed by Minister of National Security Dr Errol Cort, came after he and Attorney General Justin Simon said a procedural error made Datadin’s January 3rd appointment as a Special Constable null and void.

Attorney at law Sanjeev Datadin

The attorney of 14 years took the oath of office in the presence of Commissioner of Police Vere Browne and Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh.
Dr. Cort said the correct procedure is now being followed.
“The route to take is spelt out in Section 72 of the Police Act, so the police have now confirmed to that particular situation and have sought to correct that apparent breach in procedures and the matter is before the Police Service Commission for consideration with a detailed rationale,” he said.
Stating that the police have laid out a strong case, the minister said he could not give further details since the matter is sensitive.
The Antigua Labour Party (ALP), two of whose members are the targets of the IHI probe, has described the appointment as political and diversionary.
Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan also condemned the development, accusing the government of trying to subvert the position of the Director of Public Prosecution.
He said further, there appeared to be a conflict of interest as Datadin has represented members of the ruling United Progressive Party, including Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, who is being sued for defamation by Bird.
Datadin has denied any such conflict.