Government consultant, the People’s National Party’s, Basil Waite, who’s accused of corruption, was this afternoon released on bail after being jailed by the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency, MOCA.

Waite was arrested this morning and charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice in a case before the court.

The prominent politician is also a former Government Senator who once served as the governing PNP’s caretaker for North East St. Elizabeth.

Waite, a Harvard graduate, who was once considered a rising star in the PNP, spent approximately 5-hours behind bars today as he awaited his bail being processed at the Half- Way Tree Criminal Court.

In May 2013, two policemen were put before the court after they were accused of offering a bribe to the owner of a truck.

This, after his driver was prosecuted for committing a traffic offence.

A complaint was made by the owner of the truck, Sheldon Beckford, who’s managing director of a waste management company and a member of the governing PNP.

The policemen, constables Oliver Reid and Rushen Thomas, were caught during a sting operation collecting ten thousand dollars.

A charge of illegal possession of ammunition was also laid on Constable Reid in the case which is still before the Court.

Basil Waite, a consultant at the Noel Arscott-led Local Government Ministry, is accused of attempting to persuade Mr. Beckford to discontinue the Court case.

However, Beckford reported the matter to the police who conducted investigations which led to Waite being picked up early this morning by investigators from MOCA.

He was granted bail in the sum of 1-point-5 million dollars when he appeared in court.

His attorney, Xavier Mayne, says Waite is an innocent man.

Today, Waite peered from a cell at court and quickly went to another corner of the lockup as he saw media personnel looking on.

Just before two this afternoon, after his bail was processed, the over 6-foot tall Waite crept to the side of the lock up and quickly jumped into a burgundy Sports Utility Vehicle which sped away as he attempted to avoid the glare of TV cameras.

Waite’s close associates in the PNP say this criminal charge could not come at a worst time.

The former PNPYO President had recently intensified his efforts to enter parliament as an MP when elections are next called.

Now, he may have to Waite for the mercy of a notoriously slow justice system.

He’s booked to return to court on November 10.

And in a statement, the PNP says it acknowledges the decision to arrest and charge Basil Waite.

The party says it recognises that Waite is facing a serious charge.

However, the PNP says it will not offer any further comment beyond its statement of acknowledgement until court proceedings are complete.

Local Government Minister, Noel Arscott, in whose Ministry Waite is currently employed as a consultant, also today declined comment on his arrest.

And government sources are telling Nationwide News that Mr. Waite will be asked to resign from his position as a consultant to the administration.

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