The absence of two witnesses forced the cancellation of yesterday’s Disciplined Forces Commission (DFC) public hearing.

Stabroek News was informed that only one of the two witnesses, who are both from outlying areas, was properly served with a summons to attend the hearing at the Supreme Court Law Library. No reason was given for the absence of the other.

Originally three witnesses were slated to appear before the Commission at yesterday’s hearing, however one of them requested that they be called at a later time.

The Commission of Enquiry was set up by the National Assembly in accordance with the conditions of the communique signed between President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader Robert Corbin. It is tasked with investigating the operations of the disciplined services.

The Commission is to give priority to its investigation of the Police Force, on which it is to submit a report of its findings to the Assembly, within the next three months.

Justice of Appeal Ian Chang chairs the Commission. Former Attorney General Charles Ramson, SC, former National Security Advisor, Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, attorney-at-law, Anil Nandlall and Irish human rights activist, Maggie Beirne are the other members of the Commission.