Weeks after a public war of words with Finance Minister Audley Shaw, Christie has announced that his office has launched a probe into the awarding of contracts by the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports for the recent homecoming week of celebrations for the Olympians.

Christie's announcement was immediately met with strong criticisms in Government circles with persons close to the leadership of the administration claiming that the contractor general was seeking to challenge a Cabinet decision.

Senior members of the administration noted that on August 25, the Cabinet made a decision to exempt cultural products and service from the Government's contract procurement guidelines.

Last night, the minister with responsibility for information and culture, Olivia Grange said she had no difficulty with the contractor general's investigation.

But she said Cabinet, in a document, had stated that effective September 22, artistic and cultural products and services, works of art, performance services and other cultural and creative products services were exempt from procurement procedures.

Grange also said it was unfortunate and misleading that the contractor general has characterised the directive from the Cabinet as a licence to "jettison" the standing government procurement procedures when undertaking certain procurement.

Yesterday, Christie suggested that he was aware of the Cabinet decision, but said this would not prevent his probe.

Details requested

Christie said he has requested the information ministry to provide him with details on every contract valued at more than $100,000 which was awarded in connection with the week of celebrations.

The ministry has been given until midday on November 12 to provide the preliminary information while preparing all other material for additional examination.

According to the contractor general, the investigation is directed at ensuring that there is probity, transparency and accountability in the ministry's awarding of contracts.

"As such, the investigation must in no way diminish or detract from the stellar accomplishment of our nation's athletes in the recent summer Beijing Olympic Games," Christie added.