The Commission of Inquiry has announced new dates for further evidence hearings which will commence on November 24.
The announcement was made by the COI’s Secretary Steven Chandler in a media release issued on Thursday November 11.
According to Chandler, the first of these hearings will see Governor John Rankin presenting further evidence.
He said, “The logistics and detailed timetable for that hearing are not yet finalised; but that evidence will include further oral evidence from HE Governor John Rankin. Following the provision of additional documentary evidence on behalf of the elected Ministers, the Commissioner also intends to take oral evidence from a small number of other witnesses. Those witnesses will be confirmed shortly.”
He added, “Having received a list of those matters on which they wish to file joint closing written submissions, the Commissioner has given the Attorney General and the elected Ministers permission to do so limited to 20 pages. He has stressed the importance of adhering to that page count.”
The secretary further said that once those submissions are received, Commissioner Sir Gary Hickinbottom will consider if there is a need to hear oral submissions from Counsel instructed on behalf of the Attorney General and the elected Ministers. He added that any oral submissions are likely to be limited to matters arising from the written submissions.
Silk legal not allowed make oral submissions
Secretary Chandler also disclosed that law firm Silk Legal will not be allowed to present oral closing submissions as they did not abide by the Commissioner’s Order or guidelines.
“Silk Legal on behalf of the Members of the House of Assembly (except the elected Ministers and the Attorney General) have neither submitted a list of any matters upon which they wish to make closing submissions as required by the Commissioner’s 22 October 2021 Order, nor have they applied for an extension of time to do so. Similarly, they have neither filed submissions in relation to the Sea Cow’s Bay Project (which they previously indicated they may wish to do), nor sought an extension of time. In the circumstances, Silk Legal will not be permitted to make oral closing submissions,” he explained.
Chandler said it is the Commissioner’s intention to deal with all outstanding evidential matters, and any final oral submissions, during that day.