Former ministers may go to court

Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young caught the attention of Opposition MPs in the House of Representatives yesterday when he said, "former ministers may have to go to court to give evidence in the future as well." Young made this comment in response to a question in the House regarding the performing of autopsies when forensic pathologist Dr Valery Alexandrov's resignation takes effect on December 31.

He explained, "Alexandrov would be expected to come back if his evidence is required in court." Young added, "Someone stopping being in their position does not negate them going to court." The minister did not expand on his comment about former ministers going to court. Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal has threatened legal action against Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley for comments which Rowley made at a news conference at Piarco International Airport last week, before leaving for a medical check up in California. Rowley said Moonilal may have questions to answer regarding the alleged mishandling of more than $400 million at the Estate Management and Business Development Company Limited (EMBD) in August 2015. Moonilal was the EMBD's line minister at that time.

Young said Alexandrov is not performing any autopsies at this time. He said Dr Hughvon Des Vignes is currently doing autopsies at the Forensic Sciences Centre and Dr Eslyn Mc- Donald-Boris will be joining him fully from October 21. Young said Boris has made herself available to assist in the interim. In response to another question, Young said the Police Service has acquired a total of 1,591 vehicles from 2010 to 2016.