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New act may be tested in corruption probe
BY INDARJIT SEURAJ
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news10.html
The newly-enacted Preliminary Inquiry Amendment Act 23 of 2005 is likely to be tested when the preliminary inquiry into alleged corruption against businesswoman Rene Pierre begins.
Pierre, girlfriend of former government minister Brian Kuei Tung, is facing three additional corruption charges arising out of the Piarco Airport development project.
She reappeared before Senior Magistrate Ejenny Espinet in Port-of-Spain First Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, when the matter was called for mention.
Pierre is being represented in this matter by attorney Gillian Lucky.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Carla Browne-Antoine said the prosecution intended to use the act by tendering into evidence some of the witnesses’ statements in paper committal form, while other witnesses would be called to the witness box.
Lucky consented to the use of the new act.
The matter was adjourned to June 28, by which time the State is expected to forward to the defence the statements it intended to use.
Attorney Dianne Shurland is assisting Browne-Antoine.
New charges against Renee Pierre
Sometime between August 26, 1999, and August 31, 1999, the accused received from Northern Construction Ltd $150,000, in the payment of a Visa credit card account in the name of Brian Kuei Tung.
Kuei Tung is said to be an agent favouring the interest of NCL in relation to the Piarco Airport terminal development project, a matter in which the Airports Authority was concerned.
The accused received from NCL, a reward of $50,000, namely in the RBTT account in the name of Kuei Tung, also in relation to favouring NCL on the project.
The accused received from NCL $80,000, namely in the account of Brian and Ellen Kuei Tung in relation to favouring NCL.
©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news10.html
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