CABINET, during its statutory meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, agreed to extend the Dr. Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) beyond June 2015. Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon yesterday announced that the CoI will now end on July 31, 2015.The HPS added that the proceedings thus far have been illuminating, with the body of evidence unveiled pointing squarely to the Burnham-led government’s involvement in the death of Dr. Rodney in June 1980.
Witnesses appearing before the Commission and members of the public itself, have testified strongly about the then People’s National Congress’ (PNC) role in Dr. Rodney’s death. “The remaining gaps are so visible that Guyanese must be wondering why in the face of the openness of this quasi judiciary, the hearing has not addressed the glaring gap,” Dr. Luncheon stated.
He also questioned why the surviving PNC Government and party personalities of that era have not risen to the occasion to testify as yet. “What is preventing them from so doing, from being present and testifying at the hearing during this inquiry?” he further asked.
The HPS pointed out that Robert Corbin, Joseph Harmon and David Granger in particular, have apparently delinked participation “even in the face of what appears to be their involvement, attested to by previous witnesses,” the HPS pointed out.
He explained that the extension to July 31, 2015 still leaves the door open, providing opportunities “for the as yet the PNC party and government officials of that era, and who have survived, to come forward voluntarily.”
On the issue of the financial obligation to the CoI, the HPS stated that once the life is extended, provision will be made to accompany the financial obligation until July 31.
Thirty-four-years after his death, the CoI into the death of historian Dr. Walter Rodney began hearings on April 28, 2014 at the Supreme Court Library.
The Commission is headed by Sir Richard Cheltenham, K.A, Q.C, Ph.D., and comprise Mrs. Jaqueline Samuels-Brown, Q.C., and Mr. Seenath Jairam, S.C. Lead Counsel for the Commission is Attorney Glen Hanoman, and assisting him are attorneys-at-law Nicola Pierre and Latchmie Rahamat.
Representing the PNC is attorney Basil Williams, with Christopher Ram representing the Working People’s Alliance. Keith Scotland represents the brother of the late Dr. Rodney, Donald Rodney, whilst Andrew Pilgrim represents the widow and children of the late historian.
The purpose of the hearing before the commission is to receive testimony and evidence, from interested parties, to enable it to examine the facts and circumstances immediately prior, at the time of, and subsequent to, the death of Dr. Walter Rodney in order to determine, as far as possible, who or what was responsible for the explosion resulting in the death of Dr. Walter Rodney.
The Commission will also inquire into the cause of the explosion that killed Dr. Rodney and who was responsible, and who may have facilitated the departure of Gregory Smith, (who is said to have been responsible for giving the device to the late Dr. Rodney) from Guyana after Dr. Rodney’s death.
Additionally, the commission will examine and report on the actions and activities of the state, the Guyana Police Force, Guyana National Service, Guyana People’s Militia and those who were in command of these agencies, and actions against the Political Opposition, for the period January 1, 1978 to December 31, 1980.
Dr. Walter Rodney, a Guyanese political activist and intellectual, died on June 13, 1980 following an explosion in his car. (GINA)