Dookeran knocks comments on Duncan killing

Acting Prime Minister Winston Dookeran has expressed concern that “inappropriate and prejudicial” comments were made about the killing of Mt D’Or resident Atiba Duncan before independent investigations could be conducted. In a short statement issued through the Government Information Services Ltd (GISL) yesterday, Dookeran said: “It is unfortunate that unsubstantiated statements have been made regarding the recent death of Atiba Duncan.”

In response to a question put to him on the issue, the acting Prime Minister said: “The independence and integrity of the process should not be sullied by premature judgments and public pronouncements.” He said at the end of the day, the truth will prevail and justice served.

“While it is understandable how the tragic circumstances can produce an emotionally charged atmosphere,” Dookeran added, “improper reaction by those in authority cannot be allowed to compromise the very process through which justice is sought and delivered.”

Dookeran’s comments were made days after his Cabinet colleague Justice Minister Herbert Volney stirred up controversy by declaring that Duncan was the victim of a homicidal killing. Volney’s comments were criticised by Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs and several others in law enforcement and legal circles and the media. Dookeran is the first government official to speak out on Volney’s comments.