Responsibility and role of BWIA

THE EDITOR: I shuddered when reading a story last Thursday, May 29 ‘Duprey has not a clue about BWIA’. Surely this was a lie, half truth or innuendo of the type identified by our former PM! However, days later, in the absence of a denial, clarification or apology, I am forced to reflect on the unsavoury alternative. Can this shocking report be true? Who is to guard the guards? If this report is true, this has to rank as the most vulgar public statement I can recall. If we are serious in speaking to power, we must pause here to find out where we are. Is this an acceptable level of accountability for today’s world? The stakes are high — hundreds of jobs, immense national investment and the necessary development of proper regional links — most importantly, we are in danger of losing an invaluable skills bank if BWIA goes under. The apparent lack of responsibility is chilling.

Mr Duprey is Executive Chairman of the CL Financial Group. Would this kind of response be acceptable for a Chairman of a Company in their group? If so, this is a truly sobering moment. If not, how can it then be acceptable for BWIA? If this is the response of the gentleman reputed to be the driving force behind the Caribbean’s leading conglomerate; we are badly in need of 20:20 Vision. What is the message to the younger generation of business people and professionals? This is the very issue raised by Reginald Dumas in a recent contribution in your pages on the role and responsibilities of State Boards. Of course, I am interested in seeing what reaction, if any, this latest development gets from the Chamber of Commerce, DOMA, the Trade Unions (especially ACAWU) and the other stakeholders. We critically need a full public dialogue on the role of State Corporations and their Boards.

AFRA RAYMOND
Port-of-Spain