Grenada Today - The National Newspaper of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique

Local defense lawyer Anslem Clouden wants Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Christopher Nelson to put the wheels in motion for the launching of a criminal investigation into allegations of bribery against controversial Jamaican attorey-at-law, Hugh Wildman.

Clouden told GRENADA TODAY that there is new information in the country suggesting that Wildman should be investigated for possible wrong-doing.

"I am confident that our present (DPP) has the courage to investigate Wildman as soon as he receives the information and other evidence with respect to Wildman", he said.

"And no doubt Nelson will be fair ...and if there is nothing of substance beyond any doubt to charge or convict Wildman then he will be vindicated", he added.

In an interview with GRENADA TODAY, Clouden said that the new information indicate that former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of First International Bank of Grenada (FIBG), Lawrence Jones could become a key player in a probe of Wildman.

It is related to a document from Jones making reference to a public official in Grenada who was described as "expensive" but critical to First Bank operations on the island since the individual had the ears of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell.

Earlier in the month, Wildman told a radio and television programme that the person Jones was referring to in that email message was a former Permanent Secretary who was studying law in England.

This promoted barrister-at-law, Cajeton Hood, a former P.S in the Office of the Prime Minister to institute legal proceedings for defamation of character against Wildman. Wildman's charge was made as he came under pressure from local lawyers who took action to protest his recommendation by the Mitchell government for the post of Attorney General.

According to Clouden, the new information in the ongoing saga now raises serious questions about Wildman and some of his activities in Grenada. "Given this new development among other compelling evidence, Wildman has found himself in a rather questionable situation and he must provide answers", he said.

Clouden also questioned whether an investigation surrounding the Jamaican lawyer will not be hampered given the tremendous amount of powers that he currently enjoys under the Mitchell government. Wildman is a Special Prosecutor, as well as legal advisor to both the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) and and the Cabinet of Ministers under Prime Minister Mitchell.

In addition, he is the head of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the police force whose responsibility it is to investigate financial crimes and suspicious financial dealings.

Clouden indicated that with Wildman holding all these positions there must be a conflict of interest which can throw an investigation against him into serious jeopardy.