AG Vincent Byron speaking on the weekly government program WORKING FOR YOU , in response to a caller who asked about the Freedom of Information Bill and the rights of citizens to know the terms and conditions arrived at with respect to what the TUG had paid out to Travers Sinanan, the former DPP, said the Freedom of Information Bill had its first reading and people must understand the scope as it would be at cost. The former Director of Public Prosecutions Travers Sinanan had filed suit against the Attorney General Vincent Byron Jr., challenging the government’s decision not to renew his contract
The AG said in 2016 the measure would be taken to the people by way of town hall meetings, lectures and other public forums.The government department must be able to provide data and give information.AG said there are limits to what people can ask.
. The former Director of Public Prosecutions Travers Sinanan had filed suit against the Attorney General Vincent Byron Jr., challenging the government’s decision not to renew his contract.
Mr Byron insisted that anyone “had access to the documents filed by Mr Sinanan and also the response by the AG ….allwere accessible to the public”. AG said that the court have given a gag order on what Sinanan actually received from the Team Unity Government and maintained that the government wanted to get the Sinanan matter disposed with quickly because of the many other court cases that were to be dealt with by the September assizes. AG Byron stated there was speculation as to what Sinanan got but figures of $5 M & $2 M are ridiculous. Anyone breaching the confidentiality clause in the recent settlement between the former DPP and the government of St. Kitts and Nevis, could face charges of Contempt of Court.
But although not revealing the amount Sinanan did receive, Byron contended that the matter had to be disposed with in quick order and so the government in the best interests of the people had done so.
Former government minister turned social activist, and a supporter of the current Unity Administration Dwyer Astaphan has slammed the non-disclosure agreement involving the payout of the former Director of Public Persecution Travers Sinanan and the government. He believes that as the money will come from state coffers, the compensation to Mr. Sinanan should not be kept a secret.