George to THA: Set the bar for a higher standard of accountability

Attorney at Law and President of the Tobago Business Chamber Martin George says while he has always held “the greatest respect for the competence and professionalism and abilities for Dr Winford James”, his appointment as deputy chairman of the recently assigned Studley Park Enterprises Ltd (SPEL) board, “just does not have the appearance of the impartiality and transparency upon which the THA campaigned.”

James, the brother of Trevor James, the THA’s Secretary of Infrastructure, Quarries and Urban Renewal – the division responsible for the Studley Park Quarry – was among 11 committee members appointed for a year to oversee the quarry’s operations.

On Monday, THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine said James’ appointment was under review after concerns were raised in the public domain.

Speaking with Loop News on the appointment George also noted that he was “heartened” by Augustine’s actions on the matter:

“While I’m confident of the abilities and value which Dr. Winford James brings to the table, and I am also confident of his Professionalism, his appointment to a Board under a Division led by his brother Trevor James does not look good; and it is no answer to say that “others did worse” he said.

George said he wanted the current THA administration to hold themselves up to the standard of “those who do better, not to those who do worse.”

 “We expect this THA Administration to set the Bar for a higher standard of Accountability and Transparency in public affairs, rather than simply sinking into the Political morass of the never ending finger pointing and blame game of the other side did it too. We actually want this THA Administration to hold themselves up to the standard of those who do better, not to those who do worse. There’s a saying in the Law that Justice must not only be done but must also appear to be done. Do the right thing THA” he said.

Date: April 6, 2022

By: Beena Mahase