Chronicle was unable to get a reaction from either representatives of the various parties or the social partners on the conclusion of yesterday’s deliberations that lasted for about two hours in the Supreme Court Library.

While not yet confirmed, it was reliably learnt that a letter sent to the Social Parties and the political parties by one of the advisors-Joe Singh-required more details before the meeting could have proceeded.

Singh’s letter reportedly stated that the original proposals in the draft crime communiqué had now been overtaken by events and there are now additional concerns, which go outside the bounds of his “capacity and competence.”

According to sources, Singh’s letter further stated that the Social Partners were being asked to deal with issues, which “fall squarely within the purview of the political parties and state institutions.” He is reportedly asking, “not to be considered for membership” of whatever institutional arrangements are likely to be put in place to report on the implementation of measures on which agreement is expected.

No statement or comment was forthcoming on Singh’s letter, which observers say can stall the early conclusion of the joint crime communiqué.

Meanwhile, before the start of yesterday’s meeting, Chronicle sought the comments from representatives of the PPP/C and the PNC/R on their expectations.

PNC/R spokesperson, Mr. Robert Corbin:
" PPP spokesperson, Mr. Robert Persaud said: "We are here this afternoon to continue the process to arrive at a crime communique that has the agreement of all the political parties. As the Chairman of the Social Partners initiative, Dr. Peter DeGroot pointed out, we have made some progress. But given the nature of the document and the number of factors as it relates to it, these things do take some time and one has to appreciate that while we are going through this process.

“ I am quite sure no one is expecting that it will be done in an hour or a day. We are working together and working in the spirit of compromise and consensus so that at the end of the day we all can and will be happy with the document. I am very optimistic that today we will continue to make progress on this initiative by the social partners. Once again I want to commend the Social Partners in this whole quest to have consensus in the fight against crime."