Manatt enquiry extended to May 16

Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer



The Manatt-Dudus commission of enquiry has been granted another extension.



Chairman of the Commission, Emil George disclosed that he has been given until May 16 to complete his work.



However, George said he hoped that the cross-examination of all witnesses would be completed by next week Friday.



The Commission was scheduled to end in February but delays and lengthy cross-examinations, forcing Governor General Patrick Allen to grant an extension to March 31.



However, with less than a week before that deadline, Prime Minister Bruce Golding is still on the witness stand, after facing only three attorneys, Hugh Small, his attorney, Frank Phipps, the lawyers for the Jamaica Labour Party and KD Knight, the attorney for the People’s National Party (PNP).



To exacerbate matters, Small served notice that the Prime Minister would not be available next week Monday and Tuesday.



Small, who spent two days questioning his client, told the Commission that Golding would return on Wednesday. He said this has thrown off the budgetary preparation.



Knight, who is currently cross-examining Golding, said he expects to continue for the next two days.



gary.spaulding@gleanerjm.com