Opposition questions DPP's ruling on Hibbert

BY ALICIA DUNKLEY Sunday Observer staff reporter dunkleya@jamaicaobserver.com

Sunday, March 21, 2010

THE Opposition People's National Party (PNP) has raised eyebrows over Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn's ruling on the allegations of corruption surrounding former junior works minister Joseph Hibbert and British firm Mabey and Johnson.

The DPP ruled that while there was "sufficient compelling material" for the police to further investigate the allegations against Hibbert, he cannot be charged now.

However, the PNP said it was beyond belief that no such directive was given to the police during the six months that the matter had been referred to the DPP by the contractor general.

The PNP also questioned if the Jamaican authorities had dispatched any law enforcement officer to the United Kingdom to conduct further investigations, based on documents and statements gathered by the United Kingdom Serious Fraud Office.

"This is of particular importance since it has been reported that Mabey and Johnson pleaded guilty in the United Kingdom Court to criminal offences, which included a bribe or bribes to Mr Hibbert. The director of public prosecutions and the authorities need to explain," the Opposition said.