Georgetown, GINA, March 28, 2008Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon today told the media that Government has held a constant position with regards to engagements with criminals, which is that it would only be done in a court of law.
Dr Luncheon was at the time replying to a question posed to him by the media on ex-soldier Oliver Hinckson’s claim that he had met and had discussions with an emissary of the President two days after making the statement for which he is now facing sedition charges.
“None of the Government’s agencies, the Office of the President nor the President had a role in any engagement between the Attorney (Nandlall) and Mr. Hinckson,” Dr Luncheon said.
The Cabinet Secretary said, “as the President statement outlined, an engagement of that sort did not take place and at the level of the Government agencies, Regions or other wise. Government was unaware of any private engagement between Hinckson and the attorney.”
The Cabinet Secretary said, “In terms of the Administration and our parties in Parliament, an established position has already been taken on the nature of legal work that would be considered acceptable or suitable to be undertaken by lawyers.”
This, however, is not binding and has not been formally adopted. Many of the lawyers in the Government alliance are aware that certain engagements are frowned on as they undertake legal work, he said.
It would be unusual to have that position then turn around and encourage such an engagement, Dr Luncheon said.