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Commission is shrouded in secrecy, says PLP's Wade

secrecy, the leader of the Progressive Labour Party claimed yesterday. A Commission of Inquiry was set up by the Governor, Lord Waddington, last month, with retired Court of Appeal Judge, the Rt. Hon. Telford Georges heading the investigation.

But yesterday, Mr. Frederick Wade, accused the Commission of acting under a cloak of secrecy -- barely advertising its work.

He said yesterday was the deadline for submitting evidence to the Commission, but "the Commission is so secret not even the meeting place has been advertised''.

Mr. Wade added: "It is very disappointing to see the lack of information provided to the public regarding the Commission's operation. Except for a few advertisements in the newspaper there has been little or no publicity.'' The Commission was set up in the wake of the postponed Referendum which should have taken place on August 15, but was delayed for a day due to Hurricane Felix.

At first, polling stations were told to stay shut, but later Government realised they had to at least open before an order could be given to postpone the vote.

Working under the Rt. Hon Georges will be recently-retired Permanent Secretary of Finance Dr. Walwyn Hughes and lawyer and Corporation of Hamilton Councillor Miss Sonia Grant, Governor Lord Waddington announced yesterday.

Premier, the Hon. David Saul asked Lord Waddington to set up the Commission, which is expected to begin its work later this month.

Its job will be "to inquire into the circumstances and the events which occurred on Tuesday, 15 August, which led to the postponement of the Referendum on Independence to August 16 and to make any recommendations arising therefrom.'' Last night Mr. Wade added: "The Commission was set up to investigate and report on the events surrounding the holding of the Referendum.

"It was hoped that through the Commission all suspicions would be cleared up and laid to rest.

"However, with the secrecy surrounding its activity, some of us are becoming concerned as to the real intention of those outlining the preparations.'' He added: "Further, we would expect by now that those persons that the Commission intends to call have been notified and, or, subpoenas have been issued where necessary.

"We note that the Commission intends to commence its work on Monday, October 30,. We can only hope that once it starts its work the veil of secrecy shall be removed.'' Last night, Lord Waddington said: "It is really up to Mr. Georges to decide how the Commission of Inquiry should proceed with its work.''