THE PUBLIC Accounts Committee (PAC) has again delayed a detailed examination into alleged overpayments of more than $8 million to former executive director of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica, Dr Omer Thomas.

Last week, committee members heard from the auditor general that the former executive was paid $8,743,030 in breach of established government guidelines.

PAC member Marisa Dalrymple Philibert, who is also an attorney-at-law, cautioned the committee about discussing the issue which was now before the court.

Thomas told The Gleaner last week that he was suing the bureau for sums owed to him. This means that a legal battle is now under way between Thomas and the Attorney General's Department, which will be representing the Bureau of Standards.

Legal advice needed

At yesterday's PAC meeting, Sharon Hay-Webster, committee member, suggested that the group seek legal advice from the solicitor general before continuing its probe into the matter.

Chairman of the PAC, Dr Omar Davies, accepted the proposal, saying he would write to the solicitor general this week seeking guidance on the way forward.

Then permanent secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Science and Technology, Dr Jean Dixon, wrote to the Attorney General's Department for advice on the controversial payment to Thomas. Dr Dixon had previously raised objection to a decision by the Standards Council of the bureau to pay Thomas the sum mentioned.

In a letter to the permanent secretary, dated June 1, 2006, the former attorney general, AJ Nicholson, gave his counsel on a number of issues in relation to the sums paid to Thomas.

Commenting on ex-gratia payment amounting to $6.5 million and office equipment valued at more than $300,00 given to Thomas, the former attorney general said there was no suggestion that the former executive director had any contractual entitlement to ex-gratia honorarium.