Gareth Manning, Sunday Gleaner Reporter
Jamaica Labour Party leader Bruce Golding is greeted by supporters on entering the National Area on day one of the party's annual conference in Kingston, yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
Dutch authorities have now launched a full investigation into the $31 million transaction between Trafigura Beheer and the ruling People's National Party (PNP).
"We got a further response yesterday (Friday) that they were satisfied that the matter warrants investigation and they would be launching (one) into the matter," Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader, Bruce Golding told hundreds of cheering supporters yesterday. He was speaking at the delegate's session of the 63rd Jamaica Labour Party Annual Conference, at the National Arena in Kingston.
Controversial transaction
Golding, the parliamentary Opposition Leader, said he had received confirmation from the Dutch authorities on Friday following a report made to the Dutch National Investigation Unit
and another state agency to
have the controversial transaction investigated.
The Trafigura Beheer scandal was first uncovered by the Opposition in October, when it received information that the Dutch oil trading company had deposited $31 million into a PNP account belonging to the former Information Minister and party General Secretary Colin Campbell. PNP officials claimed the money was a contribution to the party, but Trafigura denied the claims and said the transaction was purely commercial. This is in, apparent reference to a dummy arrangement, to pay the Colin Campbell-affiliated company for contracted professional services.
Political contribution
But the Opposition alleges the money was a political contribution to the PNP, which could constitute a breach of Duth regulations.
The scandal soon led to Campbell's resignation from the Portia Simpson Miller Cabinet, as well as tremendous fallout in public support for her administration, as reflected in public opinion surveys.
Trafigura Beeher trades oil bought from Nigeria on Jamaica's behalf.
