Up until now, this writer has been a silent observer in the matter of the so-called "Emailgate Affair."However, at the time of writing two matters of relevance have crossed my mind: (1) Whether much of the "mess" and "baloney" surrounding "Emailgate" could have been avoided had the matter been handled differently and
(2) Whether, in light of the reported resignations from the Integrity Commission in consequence of the commission's handling of "Emailgate," the time has not now arrived for a complete review of the commission.
First item (1). Upon reading that the former attorney general had expressed the hope that the police would seek to ascertain the "mastermind" behind the alleged "false" emails, I asked myself the question: Should Mr Ramlogan, as attorney general, not have sought to have this action taken at the first intimation of possible "mischief?"
Why did he and his colleagues wait belatedly to so recognise at what may be considered to be the end of the matter? Had this been the approach, the commotion and political wrangling and unsavoury banter surrounding Dr Rowley would have been avoided for, in this regard, Dr Rowley would have had to pay the price: (a) had it been proved that either he himself had been the "mastermind" or; (b) had he commissioned the writing of the alleged false "emails."
Thus, the outcome would have become obvious in a relatively short period of time.In any event, it is clear (and with this I concur) that the former AG recognises that the source of the alleged "false emails," if any, must have been someone of no mean intellect having an intimate knowledge of the personalities mentioned in the documents.
With respect to the Integrity Commission: (a) I am wondering whether the commission either has, on its staff, persons with the required training and experience or did it hire consultants to assist with the "Emailgate" matter?; or (b) Did it seek "the easy way out" knowing that it was not adequately equipped to handle a matter of this kind?; or (c) Did it "piggy-back" on sources of which it had become aware?
I have always been of the view that, in light of the unending instability of the commission, much cannot be "right" with it.Indeed, there is certainly a need to review completely the purpose, powers and modus operandi of the commission.The time must be now!
Errol OC Cupid
Tacarigua