Edmond Campbell, News Coordinator

Contractor General Greg Christie and his team of investigators ran into a roadblock when they sought to get information from the sole director of Universal Management Development Company Limited and the Caribbean Communications Media Network, Rodney Chin, in relation to the Cuban light-bulb saga.

Christie explained that Chin, acting on the advice of his attorney, Valerie Neita-Robertson, refused to comply with the lawful requisitions of the Office of the Contractor General (OCG).

A letter dated December 20, 2007, from a representative of Mrs. Neita-Robertson read:

"Although her client may be compelled to attend your investigation, nonetheless, he has been held out as a suspect in (the) matter being investigated, and in those circumstances he may not be compelled to give evidence that is likely to incriminate himself."

The letter continued: "The state may not, (even through a Supreme Court Justice) compel a citizen to incriminate himself unless immunity against criminal prosecution is granted."

Christie not convinced

In a written response to Neita-Robertson, the contractor general advised her that the OCG did not share "the view which is implicit in your argument that your client has the right to carte blanche refuse to comply with the subject requisition of the Office of the Contractor General".

Christie said the OCG would "therefore be taking the requisite steps to formally refer the matter to the director of public prosecutions with a recommendation that criminal proceedings should be instituted against your client".

He added: "You may therefore choose to formally pursue yours and your client's positions directly with the director."

The matter was formally referred by the contractor general to the director of public prosecutions on December 28, 2007.

Christie said the lack of cooperation on the part of Chin, with the OCG's investigation, has left the OCG with critical questions which pertain to the Cuban light bulb project unanswered.

The OCG completed its special report of investigation into the Cuban light bulb affair and has submitted it to parliament.