Special Prosecutor Dismisses Corruption Claims Against Top Officials

A letter from Special Prosecutor (SP) Robert Innocent to former Customs Comptroller Peter Chiquot explains why the SP’s office dismissed Chiquot’s corruption complaints. Chiquot complained against top public officials, including the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Attorney General and House Speaker. “Without merit” were the words used by Innocent to describe the numerous complaints. Chiquot raised six complaints against Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, including Pierre’s decision not to renew his contract, victimisation and abuse of office. After examining the facts, Innocent concluded, “Having examined the particulars and the exhibits submitted with them, for facts and law bordering on criminal corrupt conduct, I found no such evidence.” The Special Prosecutor noted no misconduct in public office in the Prime Minister choosing not to renew an expired acting contract or attending court in support of a colleague. Ultimately, the complaints against Pierre were dismissed. On the part of Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire, Chiquot claimed that Hilaire abused his office as a sitting Minister to file a case against him in the courts. Innocent concluded that “there is no merit in the allegations against Dr. Ernest Hilaire, and thus no valid reason for investigation of the complaints.” Innocent added that Hilaire...