Chairman: Meeting of Boundaries Commission independent decision

The meeting of the Boundaries Commission on September 2 was solely for the purpose of reviewing the judge’s decision and for the members to make a decision on the way forward.{{more}}

This is word coming from Auldric Williams, Chairman of the Boundaries Commission in response to claims by the opposition New Democratic Party that the meeting was convened

to go against the August 24 high court ruling and have a new report published.

“The Commission met on Thursday, September 2 to review the judge’s ruling on the matter and to make a decision as to the way forward,” Williams told SEARCHLIGHT.

“It was not in any way to make a decision to go against the ruling the judge made,” he continued.

Williams made it clear that neither he nor anyone else on the three-man Boundaries Commission had any “intention of doing anything that would lead to the contempt of court.”

The Boundaries Commission chair also pointed out that there was no political interference.

“We had no discussion with the Prime Minister on the matter,” he contended.

There is representation from both sides on the Commission, Williams pointed out, adding that he could not comment on what transpired between the relevant parties.

He however made it clear that the Commission itself had no previous engagement with the Prime Minister.

“We have been appointed to do a job,” Williams told SEARCHLIGHT.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace said on Monday, September 6 on a radio programme that he was going to be “taking steps” and that he no longer trusted the persons serving on the Boundaries Commission.

“Those were his words, not mine,” Williams said when asked to comment on what Eustace had said.

“I am not sure what his reason for making such a statement was,” he said.

“Again, we have no intention to act in contempt of court in relation to the judge’s decision and we had a meeting just to review the judge’s ruling,” Williams said. (DD)