Retreat to discuss Proceeds of Crime Act ends prematurely
October 26, 2006
A planned two-day retreat of the Joint Select Committee (JSC) on the crucial Proceeds of Crime Act prematurely ended after less than two hours yesterday, after Attorney-General Senator A J Nicholson declined the chair.
Minister of National Security Dr Peter Phillips was unable to continue to chair the meeting, due to a pressing need for him to leave the island for a meeting with Caribbean Community (Caricom) security heads in Trinidad and Tobago. He left yesterday afternoon for Port-of-Spain, the Trinidadian capital.
However, when Dr Phillips tried to convince the attorney-general and minister of justice to take over the chair, Senator Nicholson declined saying "no way".
The Proceeds of Crime Bill is being anxiously awaited by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) as one of the most essential pieces of legislation in their fight against crime, especially drug trafficking.
The Act is aimed at bringing, within the ambit of possible forfeiture through the courts, all properties and accumulated wealth, which cannot be explained by legitimate activity, and comes as part of efforts to fight organised crime and to ensure that persons do not profit from illegal activities.
From the start of yesterday's retreat, for which Gordon House staff and equipment were transferred to the Morgan's Harbour Hotel in Port Royal, Phillips indicated that he would be leaving midway. The facilities were booked for the two days.
He said that it was expected that Attorney General A J Nicholson would take over the chair in his absence.
But, the attorney-general, who arrived later, was not in agreement with the decision and responded with a brief "no way". This put an immediate end to the retreat, which was expected to adjourn at 1:00 pm and resume at 10:00 am today....
Author: Alicia Dunkley
Source: Jamaica Observer
