St Kitts and Nevis Attorney General, Dennis Merchant, standing in front of Barbara Kassab's artist's impression of former Premier, Attorney General and Ambassador, Sir Lee Llewllyn Moore. Photo by Erasmus Williams

“It is hoped to provide assistance and guidance particularly at a stage of our development as a nation, when we are expected to meet international standards as a venue  for persons from all over the world,” said the Attorney General.

Merchant said the Commission of Inquiry which started Friday, 8th December “is not an enquiry to vilify or denigrate any one or any institution,” and respectfully urged the general public to allow the exercise “to take its professional and legal course.”

He said a report and recommendations will be expected in the very early part of next year, 2007.

Merchant said the assignment is taking place at the Sir Lee Llewellyn Moore Judicial and Legal Services Complex Building and very short.

The Commissioner is a Charles Blades, a Retired Deputy Commissioner of the Barbados Police Force, with some 40 years experience.  Counsel to the Commission is a Arudranauth Gossai who will be assisted periodically by Simone Bullen of Counsel.

The Attorney General announced that the Commission of Enquiry will not be conducted in Public “as this enquiry touches and concerns issues of confidentiality and national security” and is in accordance with the Law.

The absence from duty of a number of police officers affected the opening of the New Law Term and the Independence Parade in both Nevis and St Kitts.