Edmond Campbell, News Coordinator

The Government yesterday indicated it would, at this time, only be willing to 'consider' a possible request to allow Dutch authorities to investigate the controversial $31 million donation to the People's National Party (PNP) from oil trader Trafigura Beheer.

In responding to comments from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Information Minister Donald Buchanan told The Gleaner the Government had not, however, received any such request for an investigation.

Prepared to send team

During a press conference held at the JLP's Belmont Road, New Kingston headquarters yesterday, Opposition Leader Bruce Golding said the Dutch National Prosecutor's Office and the National Police Internal Investigations Department in Holland were prepared to send a team of investigators to Jamaica to conduct the probe.

Mr. Golding told journalists that the Dutch investigators' visit was contingent on the Government's agreement with the investigation.

He claimed a formal request was being prepared by Dutch officials for submission to the Government.

"We will be in touch with the Dutch authorities. We hope that that communication will be transmitted soon and we hope also that the Government will be forthcoming in granting the necessary clearance for the investigators to come to Jamaica," the Opposition Leader stated.

But in addition to a request for a Dutch probe into the Trafigura affair, Mr. Golding has also called on the Prime Minister to initiate an enquiry at the earliest possible time.

Pointing to a number of incidents that triggered enquiries over the past few years, Mr. Golding argued that many of those occurrences paled in comparison to the Trafigura scandal.

"Even if it is proven thatthe PNP has returned the funds, that doesn't answer the questions. That doesn't put to rest the concerns we have about improper conduct within the Government," Mr. Golding added.

The Opposition Leader also said he was not satisfied with former Information Minister, Colin Campbell, who resigned in the heat of the Trafigura imbroglio, remaining a senator.