Local attorney-at-law, Anselm Clouden has dismissed claims by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell that he bribes the local media fraternity to get news published.
Dr. Mitchell's comment came against the background of an attempt on the part of Clouden to clarify that he holds an account of just over $80.00 with Capital Bank International Limited which is now in receivership.
Clouden told the media last week that he had opened an account in the sum of $1,500.00 to assist a local journalist in guaranteeing a loan from Capbank.
However, Dr. Mitchell challenged Clouden to come forward and identify that person, and accused the local lawyer of paying the media fraternity to report his news.
However, at a press conference on Monday Clouden said he prides himself in being able to assist young people by way of providing security for them. Without identifying the journalist, Clouden said that about eight years ago he provided financial security for that young journalist to enable him to attend a media conference in South America.
According to Clouden, that journalist who is now a foreign correspondent needed to raise a loan from the bank, and he was instrumental in providing the financial security.
"That's how that account was opened for $1500... I spoke with the bank manager and he said, Œwell Mr. Clouden you can put this money on an account, we are going to give him the $3,000.00 and when he pays it out you can withdraw your money," he said.
Clouden said he is proud of that journalist and happy to have helped someone.
"Today that young journalist is a foreign correspondent and he is doing exceedingly well for himself wherever he is," he remarked. The city lawyer said he does not need to pay off the media to report what he has to say since he is the mouthpiece of the people.
"I speak on behalf of the people, on behalf of my clients. You people have been here and you all know very well I have never, ever suggested to bribe you," he said.
Clouden did not give any positive indication on whether he plans to institute court action against Prime Minister Mitchell for alleging that he had committed a criminal offence by making bribery payments to someone else.
The last time allegations of bribery was made against Prime Minister Mitchell, he got the police to arrest and charge a local newspaper editor with Criminal Libel.
Dr. Mitchell has not attended court hearings in the matter for the past 4 years. A few weeks ago, the Grenadian leader rebuked the then sitting Magistrate hearing the case for not sending the case to the high court for trial although he is still to complete his evidence on the Witness stand.
