Rodney COI: Williams accuses Cheltenham of “descending into the arena”

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From L - R: Attorneys - at - Law, Brian Clarke, Selwyn Peters, Basil Williams, James Bond and Keith Scotland is standing. [iNews' Photo]

 

By Kurt Campbell

From L - R: Attorneys - at - Law, Brian Clarke, Selwyn Peters, Basil Williams, James Bond and Keith Scotland is standing. [iNews' Photo]
From L – R: Attorneys – at – Law, Brian Clarke, Selwyn Peters, Basil Williams, James Bond and Keith Scotland is standing. [iNews’ Photo]
[www.inewsguyana.com] – Attorney – at – Law Basil Williams, who is representing the interest of his Political Party – the People’s National Congress (PNC) – at the ongoing Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (COI) has accused the Commissions’ Chairman   Sir Richard Cheltenham of taking sides.

Williams says he feels he is being interrupted during cross examining witnesses, unfairly by the Chairman.

“I get the impression that you are descending into the arena,” Williams told the Chairman in a very agitated tone, but this statement was quickly rejected by the Chairman who expressed the view that it was propaganda that Williams was peddling.

Williams made comparison to the frequency the other Lawyers were interrupted by the Chairman, stating “I am an experienced lawyer, I know what I’m doing… I don’t see you interrupting the others from Trinidad and Barbados.”

The Chairman maintained that Williams must ensure relevance and get on with his questions, pointing to his persistence on a point even after it has been rejected by the witness, several times.

“Just get ahead,” Cheltenham said frowningly.

Chairman of the Commission, Sir Richard Cheltenham (right) along with other Commissioners. [iNews' Photo]
Chairman of the Commission, Sir Richard Cheltenham (right) along with other Commissioners. [iNews’ Photo]
On a separate note, Commissioner Jacqueline Samuels Brown was forced to upbraid Williams later in the morning when he accused the Commissioners of coming to the defense of some persons.

“None of us is coming to the defense of anyone, we want all the evidence in so we can arrive at a conclusion, I am sorry but we are not coming to the defense of anyone,” she said, further explaining that Williams’ question was unfair.

The Chairman also intervened and said that he was disappointed that Williams would accuse the Commissioners of interrupting him. He said they are merely making legitimate interventions.

“We must be fair and we will protect all witness… I’m disappointed that you are challenging us.” Williams maintained however that his line of question was fair.

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3 COMMENTS

  1. Mayor Green seems to enjoy the stinky Georgetown.
    You should ask the people to pay their tax, just like Mayor Green’s wife who just paid her ten million dollars arrears.

  2. Sir Richard should know that he is dealing with obstructionists.
    Hold fast Sir.
    They want to derail you and this COI.

  3. Why not set up a COI for all those Guyanese children and adults who have lost their lives innocently . I think the PPP is looking for revenge. Government should use that money to clean up Georgetown so that Rodney’s spirit can walk on clean streets to go to the inquiry.

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