Lindquist submits report on CL, CLICO

Darren Bahaw

CANADIAN forensic investigator Robert Lindquist has handed in his report on CL Financial and insurance giant Clico, Attorney General John Jeremie said yesterday.

Asked if the preliminary report recommends criminal charges, including the seizure of assets, Jeremie said he could not say whether that was so or not ’for obvious reasons’.

’I have to walk a very fine line on what I can disclose,’ he said, adding that it was against the general policy of the Office of the Attorney General to comment on criminal matters.

Jeremie was speaking at a news conference at his Cabildo Chambers, St Vincent Street, Port of Spain.

Government moved to conduct a forensic probe of the Lawrence Duprey financial empire last year after investing billions of taxpayers’ dollars to rescue CLICO from a total collapse in January, last year.

Central Bank Governor Ewart Williams said previously that the forensic audit of CL Financial by Lindquist, could lead to civil and criminal charges being filed against the beleaguered insurance and real estate conglomerate.

In an unrelated matter, Jeremie also offered no comment on the decision of American Ronald Birk, to turn State witness, in the Piarco Airport corruption enquiry.

Asked whether his Ministry had any role in the development, Jeremie said he ’preferred not to comment on Mr Birk’s change of heart’.

’I would like to think Mr Birk decided in his interest and the interest of justice to do what is right and proper. That is a matter before the court and I cannot comment further,’ he said.

The State has discontinued all criminal charges against Birk, except a new one laid on March 4, in exchange for his testimony against two former government ministers and several other high-profile business people charged with bid-rigging and corruption in the $1.6 billion Piarco Airport Development Project. (Trinidad Express)