The Deputy Solicitor General, Pritima Kissoon, has been asked to proceed on 72 days of leave by the Public Service Commission for there to be a full review of how she handled cases.

The move comes even as criticism has been dumped on the Attorney General for his public statements about the Deputy Solicitor General and her handling of court matters related to the state.

Attorney General Basil Williams is refuting the claims that he has been attacking the Deputy Solicitor-General, Pritima Kissoon. He said he has just been telling his side of the story.

The claims came to light when Kissoon filed a complaint to the Public Service Commission detailing, what she termed, continuous efforts by the Attorney to frustrate her functioning in Office.

In her detailed compliant to the PSC, Ms. Kissoon stated that in court matters, draft opinions/pleadings are presented to the Attorney General, for approval, signature, correction or alteration and even though reminded regularly, such is not done or is done so belatedly and at the ninth hour, that she has been embarrassed before the courts or had to resort to legal acumen to ensure that the State is properly represented.

The Attorney General was out of the country at the time when the revelation was made public. But on Friday, he continued with allegations that the Solicitor General did not act in the best interest for the state.

He spoke of an instance where Ms. Kissoon asked for leave for the period December 20, 2016 to January 21, 2017.

Mr. Williams said it is known, the Attorney General added that in the public service and even in sections of the private sector, leave is not granted during the month of December.

Kissoon’s approval for leave was not granted and according to Williams that is when she decided to file medical claims for the period initially requested, “but was out partying Old Year’s Night.”

He said Ms. Kissoon’s request and subsequent action was taken at a time when several cases were already fixed for early January and he added that certain cases were not assigned to other lawyers, while there were others – called without representation.

Mr. Williams said in another case, the matter came up and he had no notice. On enquiring from Kissoon, as to why he was not informed about the case, the Attorney General stated that Kissoon informed him that she did not attend since she had no notice and was in another court at the time.

On requesting from the Registrar of the Court, the Order made in his absence, he said it was discovered that Kissoon did attend.

The leak of information to the press and delay of matters were also attributed to the Deputy Solicitor General.

Cases undertaken by Kissoon, according to the Attorney General are to come under review.

The Deputy Solicitor General comes under the Public Service and according to Williams, he has sought the assistance of the Permanent Secretary for the proper procedure to be taken.

Meanwhile, there are several applications being looked at for the position of Solicitor General. Some of these applications are from outside of Guyana.

Minister Williams highlighted that there is a need for more seniors in such positions to give advice to the state even though it will prove costly for the state since there are serious issues arising which warrants their experience.

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