SHOULD the 1997 Sabga Task Force report contain solid evidence of crimes being committed against children and that evidence forms the basis for criminal prosecution against the alleged offenders, the authorities can act on that evidence today.

Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, SC, who was attorney general in 1997, when the report was compiled, gave this opinion on Thursday.

Maharaj did not remember whether or not the report was laid in Parliament 25 years ago.

"That was so long ago. I have no recollection about that report or its contents."

But he said, "Based on what I am reading on the newspapers, I believe if such a report was brought to my attention, I would have referred it to the police or to the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions)."

Maharaj said if a report like that contained serious allegations and identified wrongdoing which amounted to criminal offences, that was what should be done.

He added, "Even if that was not done then, nothing prevents that from being done now. There is no time limit to prevent a criminal prosecution like that from commencing."

Once evidence is available from victims or potential victims, he continued, "With proper police investigation, persons can be brought to justice."

Maharaj's former cabinet colleague Manohar Ramsaran, who was community development minister in 1997, was also uncertain whether the report was laid in Parliament.

Once such reports are submitted, a specific minister's involvement with them ends when they go to Cabinet.

Ramsaran said ministers develop policies, while permanent secretaries and their staff develop the mechanisms to implement them. The Sabga report, if laid in Parliament, would not have been laid by Ramsaran.

'There is a system where the ministry would work with the AG's office and they will determine whether it is to be laid in Parliament. There is a parliamentary agenda and all legislation would be laid in that procedure."

While he believed the report was laid, 25 years later, Ramsaran was doubtful.

"I am very confused."

He observed that current and former politicians are now arguing about the report and its whereabouts.

"The report was laid somewhere. I want to be honest with the public. My job was completed when the task force's work was completed."

Ramsaran's job was to see what the report said about the problems in children's homes and how to correct them in the future. In this vein, Ramsaran described himself as a dreamer.

"I am happy that this report was done."

Before entering politics, Ramsaran was a customs officer. He had a copy of the 1987 Scott Drug report, "That was my introduction to these reports."

That report dealt with evidence of police involvement in drug trafficking and other serious crimes, Ramsaran said no action was taken against anybody with respect to the findings in that report.

He observed the same thing happened with other similar reports over time.

Ramsaran believed that comments made by different parliamentarians about the report over the last 25 years provided circumstancial evidenc

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