No summons, no witnesses; hearings postponed

After a four-month break, the Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Tower Hill Riot had to be adjourned this morning. The reason was that the three witnesses: Glenford Arthurs, George Sanchez and Police Superintendent Paul Wade were never served with the notice for their appearance. Arthurs however showed up anyway because he heard about his requested appearance through reports in the media. Commission Chairman Justice Christopher Blackman told the court this morning “The Commission think it’s inappropriate to continue with the hearing since Transport Commissioner Glenford Arthurs was not served with the notice for his appearance, which would have enabled him to seek advice before appearing”. News 5 understands that the summons for Wade and Arthurs were up until midday sitting at the Belmopan police station. They were all signed in early December. The three-man commission has set January twenty-fourth at 10:00 a.m. as the date for the new hearing. It is hoped that the witnesses will be properly notified by that time.