A TEAM of ministers and government technocrats has been appointed by Cabinet to examine the controversy surrounding a cellular licence which was awarded to Solutrea Jamaica Limited, effective June 1, but subsequently "stayed" by Technology Minister Phillip Paulwell until the company pays more than $500 million for the licence.

At the centre of the saga is Paulwell, who announced in Parliament that the Government would receive the money for the cellular licence at the end of June. In a recent interview, Mr. Paulwell said the funds had been paid over to the ministry.

Information Minister Donald Buchanan said during yesterday's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, the group carrying out its investigation would submit a report next week.

Less than two weeks ago, Opposition Spokesman on Energy and Telecommunications, Clive Mullings, said there was an incestuous relationship in the granting of the telecoms licence to Solutrea Jamaica Limited.

He charged that Solutrea was linked to several companies in which Minette Palmer, a former director of the Universal Access Fund Limited and former adviser to Paulwell, is a principal.

The group mandated by Cabinet to examine the Solutrea debacle had its first meeting yesterday.