As the Commission of Inquiry into the Camp Street deadly jail unrest wrapped up its first day of hearings, Attorney and President of the Guyana Bar Association, Christopher Ram, complained to reporters that he is concerned with some of the leading questions from the Commissioners.

Mr. Ram said some of the questions are being asked in a manner that he believes could create problems for the findings of the Commission.

He did not elaborate on what those implications would likely be, but said he was present at Thursday’s hearing in his personal capacity and paid attention through the proceeding

Former Prison Director, Dale Erskine led the Commission’s questioning and was backed up by Chairman, retired Justice James Patterson.

Mr. Ram said he wants to know whether witnesses who intend to testify are aware that they have a right to Counsel.

“The Commission of Inquiry act is very specific that every person affected by a Commission of Inquiry has a right to Counsel and cannot be denied”, Ram said.

He said discussions are ongoing with other lawyers on whether Members of the Bar Association should ask for status during the Commission, so as to appear as a friend of the tribunal but with a right to ask questions.

He told reporters that there may also be a need to object to certain questions being asked. Two prisoners testified before the COI on Thursday. Three more are to appear on Friday.

Just after the Commission of Inquiry was announced, Ram turned to the letter pages of the daily newspapers to object to the inclusion of the former Prison Director as one of the Commissioners. His objection was ignored.

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