The People's National Party (PNP) appears to be distancing itself from former state minister, Kern Spencer, in at least three broad areas of the contractor general's report, which fingered Spencer for major breaches in Government's procurement guidelines and nepotism.

On the matter of criminal impropriety as set out in the 124-page report, the PNP's new general secretary, Peter Bunting, said the party "deems it appropriate to let the legal process take its course and will avoid comment on those matters".

Spencer told The Gleaner that the contractor general's report on the Cuban light-bulb programme would not stand up to scrutiny.

He charged that there were gaps in the report, and vowed to clear his name when he addresses the House of Representatives on the matter.

However, Bunting said the executive committee of the PNP will examine the report to determine what steps the party may need to take on the matter.

Intensive investigation

After months of intensive investigation, Christie concluded in his report that there was evidence that would raise, at a minimum, "a very strong inference of an unlawful criminal conspiracy and corruption in the illicit award" of the contracts.

He made it clear that a criminal investigation was warranted to determine whether corruption charges should be brought against the former state minister with responsibility for the project.

In a release yesterday, Bunting said that officers of the party met Tuesday afternoon to review the contractor general's report.

He said on the matters related to "breaches of procurement procedures, the absence of transparency in the award of contracts and the apparent nepotism involved in the selection of contractors and other personnel, the PNP strongly disapproves of these actions".

According to Bunting, the party is "committed to the principles of honesty, integrity, and transparency in dealing with public resources".

He said the party also insists on financial probity among all PNP representatives.

The party's comments on the Cuban light-bulb saga varies from an earlier report which all but cleared Spencer from any impropriety.

Christie, in his report, said his office has concluded that the entire matter warrants immediate and intensive investigation by the country's (criminal) law enforcement authorities.

Copies of the special report on the free Cuban light bulb project has been sent to the commissioner of police, the director of public prosecutions and the commission for the Prevention of Corruption.

The Gleaner has been informed that the police commissioner has mandated Mark Shields, deputy commissioner of police in charge of crime, to conduct the probe.

Meanwhile, the contractor general's report stopped just short of exonerating former minister of industry, technology, energy and commerce, Phillip Paulwell.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com