President moving ahead with CoI into Assassination plot of himself

The Head of State is moving ahead with the swearing in of a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate the circumstances surrounding a plot to assassinate him.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at a Post-Cabinet Media Conference on Friday, noted that the Commissioners would be sworn in, in two weeks.

“Yes, the President has in fact ordered an inquiry into that matter and we are going through the phases of preparation for it, and I believe that within another two weeks or so, that we will be able to make public that Commission of Inquiry and identity of the Person or persons who will lead that inquiry,” Harmon told media operatives.

Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo two weeks ago stated that the establishment of a CoI could be seen as the President’s lack of confidence in the local security forces.

However, Harmon dismissed those claims, noting that “at any point in time, it is the authority of the President to order an inquiry into any matter that is of public safety or defence.”

He told reporters that “it is not a matter of not having confidence in any party, but it is the right of the President at any time, to determine if he requires a deeper level of investigation or inquiry into any matter.”

The Sate Minister said CoIs have been a method used by his administration to get information which may not be available to the regular investigations.

The alleged plot to assassinate the President was confirmed over two months ago on April 20, 2017.

One month later, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan disclosed that the CoI was launched after some snags were encountered during the investigation.

He said the Government did not like what was playing out, referring to the time taken for witnesses to turn up.