Questions about my dismissal must be answered by the Board — UTC’s Nickie

Renrick Nickie, the Unit Trust (UTC) executive who has been sent on leave by the Board for his outspokenness, said questions surrounding his ousting from the company should be directed to the Board. Nickie said: “The best people to ask about the decision to send me on leave would be the Board and the chairman since they are the ones who made the decision.” UTC chairman is Hubert Alleyne. In a brief interview yesterday, Nickie was asked if he felt the Board’s decision to send him on 79 days leave was harsh. He was also asked whether he felt he overstepped his bounds regarding his statements made to a daily newspaper.   

Nickie said it would be inappropriate for him to comment at this time. “I am enjoying my rest and I feel that it would be inappropriate for me to comment at this time, any questions surrounding my removal should be answered by the Board.” Asked if his statements conflicted with the Board’s position on the simmering issue of the UTC and FCB merger, Nickie said no comment. “Things are changing so fast, I don’t know what is going to happen,” Nickie said. He said though that nothing in life surprises him anymore. “Anything I say can be misconstrued.” Sources note that  Nickie, in his interviews with the daily newspaper, was raising pertinent issues regarding FCB’s merger with the UTC. “His interest still lies with the Unit Trust holders,” sources close to Nickie said, adding that anything he says now is going to be used as ammunition by the Board. Sources say that Nickie has sought legal advice on the matter and is exploring his options, and question though why Nickie was sent on leave. “Why is the Board afraid to appoint Nickie as CEO?” said one financial source, noting that after Henry Sealy and Clarry Benn, Nickie was next in line.