A legal battle is looming between Opposition Leader Bruce Golding and at least two People's National Party (PNP) officials, who have vowed to haul Mr. Golding before the courts for claims he made Tuesday, linking them to transactions involving Dutch firm, Trafigura Beheer.

Golding, who revealed that $31 million was transferred three weeks ago from Trafigura to an account in Jamaica known as CCOC Association, pointed out that two cheques totalling $30 million were subsequently issued, payable to SW Services. He said the cheques bore the signatures of government ministers.

There were also charges that two other persons were listed as signatories to the SW Services account.

Legal action

Government ministers Phillip Paulwell and Colin Campbell confirmed at a press conference yesterday at PNP headquarters on Old Hope Road that they would be taking legal action against the Opposition Leader.

Meanwhile, First Global Bank has said Mr. Paulwell is not an authorised signatory on the account of SW Services.

Commenting on the fiduciary relationship between banker and customer, legal adviser to the party, A.J. Nicholson, indicated that a serious breach occurred when information on the party's bank account was leaked to the JLP.

"If we cannot depend on our own financial institutions to hold sacred that relationship which exists between a banker and customer, we would not be setting any kind of example in this global village," he insisted.

In a move to clear its name, FirstCaribbean International Bank has expressed "grave concern" that confidential customer information was made public.

"We view these matters seriously and are taking the appropriate steps to investigate thoroughly. We have also notified the appropriate legal authorities and regulatory bodies," the bank said in a statement.