PAC turns up the heat on Ahearn; Motion for perjury charges coming

A Health Ministry Chief Officer could soon face charges of perjury. Jennifer Ahearn could be referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

That’s if Public Accounts Committee Chairman Hon. Ezzard Miller has his way. He said he’s filing a motion Friday (8 June) to make it happen.

The perjury allegation comes after the PAC held her in contempt in mid-March after her testimony about Cayman’s Medical and Dental Council.

She said then there had been no changes to the Council when in fact the council members were replaced.

“We have decided to table the motion asking basically for the Legislative Assembly to decide on the charge of contempt and to follow the Immunities and Privileges Law and refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine if Ms. Ahearn should be prosecuted under the sections of the law,” he said.

The PAC Chairman finalised his motion with seconder Bodden Town West MLA Chris Saunders today.

“If at this standpoint we have members or witnesses who believe they can come down here and say whatever they want then it basically not only weakens the Public Accounts Committee, but also weakens the democracy and the oversight responsibility that comes with this Committee. So it is on that basis a message has to be loud and clear,” Mr. Saunders said.

Mr. Miller said the motion will be filed in the morning.

We reached out to Deputy Governor Franz Manderson on the issue. He issued the following statement:
“I have dealt with the matter referred to me by the PAC and I will be writing to the PAC to inform them of my decision. I expect that the PAC will receive the letter by Tuesday of next week.”