The Government has confirmed that five Special Prosecutors that it retained to deal with high profile cases have been paid a $2 million retainer fee along with $20,000 per hour for their legal services.

The information was made known in the National Assembly on Monday through a written response by the Attorney General Basil Williams to concerns raised by the PPP Member of Parliament and former Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

The Attorney General in his statement said the payment specifies that the retainer fee is being applied against the Attorney’s fees and cost incurred by the client or expenses paid by the Attorney on behalf of the client.

The agreement with the Special Prosecutors was signed on June 7, 2017. So far, 12 cases have been handled by the Special Prosecutors.

Many of the cases being handled by the Special Prosecutors are related to the Special Organised Crime Unit and the State Asset Recovery Agency.  Those two bodies are examining several cases.

The Government has also indicated that it is looking at the possibility of setting up a Special Prosecutors Office. The Opposition has raised concerns about such a move and the cost it might have attached to it.

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