Senate Committee Disappointed by Witnesses’ Lack of Engagement in Public Hearing

The Senate Special Select Committee (SSSC) is expressing disappointment during its 24th meeting conducted today regarding the controversial Portico “Definitive Agreement” after key witnesses, Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie and Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Senator Christopher Coye, attended but refused to answer questions.

The SSSC noted that in this morning’s session, “The Committee was surprised at the witnesses’ failure to participate in the Public Hearing.” The SSSC further criticised comments made by Senator Coye, which they interpreted as undermining the Committee’s work saying, “That is unacceptable.”

“The Committee hereby reaches out to Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie and Senator the Hon. Christopher Coye to reconsider their decision and meaningfully support the work of the SSSC in this important matter of public interest.”

In his opening statement, Leslie stressed the confidentiality of Cabinet documents, stating he was bound by his oath not to disclose any information. He declined to provide evidence or documents to the committee, reiterating, “I have been advised that I am not at liberty to discuss any Cabinet documents or deliberations.”