INSPORTS could face legal action

The INSPORTS board of directors could find themselves facing legal challenges from Ian Andrews' labour attorney, John S. Bassie.

Andrews was recently issued a suspension letter from Deputy Chairman, Newton Amos during a recent board meeting.

The letter indicated that the suspension is "pending investigation on issues".

Some of the issues reflected in the suspension letter are allegations relative to Andrews' absence from duty and the island between December 23, 2016 and January 2, 2017 and accusations that Andrews deliberately and calculatedly made false representation as it relates to INSPORTS' Pension Plan, purported to have been held at a meeting of the board of directors on August 10, 2015.

SICK LEAVE

However, during a series of inquiries into the matter, it was learnt that Andrews had submitted to the agency a sick leave for the period of his absence from duties. Also, regarding the alleged false representation associated with the pension plan, Sagicor was fully responsible for conducting the exercise for appointing trustees. This exercise included a staff meeting for voting process and the issuing of a generic form from Sagicor, which Andrews was advised to sign and return to their offices.

When questioned on the matter, Andrews said he was appalled being suspended for these reasons, and indicated that he is being victimised because of his refusal to approve contracts for retirees without the requisite approval from the Ministry of Finance and Public Service.

The auditor general, in a recent correspondence to Andrews, has indicated her support for his actions regarding the matter of retirees.

In a correspondence with Amos, dated February 13, 2017, Bassie requested a list detailing any other allegation that may be considered.

Bassie also indicated his understanding that files have been removed from the premises along with security personnel since his client's suspension. He further went on to state his understanding that there are plans afoot to remove the security cameras that management had installed.

These actions cited would clearly compromise any further allegations from the board of directors. These actions also violate all government policies and procedures.

Andrews recently requested the intervention of Sports Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange into the matter.