Attorney General John Jeremie has disclosed that a $200 million “black hole” in legal fees exists at his ministry, which has prompted him to immediately halt the submission of new invoices.

Speaking during the mid-year budget review debate in Parliament on Wednesday, Jeremie claimed that golfing partners of former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley submitted their invoices before the April 28 general election—and were paid in full.

He noted that the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs requested a supplementary allocation of $89 million, citing urgent need to address arrears in salaries, allowances, contributions, and remuneration, in line with the 120th report of the Salaries and Review Commission (SRC).