NLCB director’s review before judge today

JUSTICE David Myers will this morning entertain an application from suspended acting director of the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) Carmel Smith for judicial review of the Statutory Authorities Service Commission’s (SASC) decision to keep her on suspension for the past two years. The application will be heard in the San Fernando High Court in which Smith is contending that the action taken against her since August 2002 was orchestrated by political bias since she has not been charged with any offence nor has the SASC brought any complaint against her.

In an application for judicial review, Smith accused the chairman of the NLCB of initiating her suspension for political reasons. Smith stated that in March 2000, the SASC appointed her to act as NLCB’s deputy director. In court papers filed in the Sub-Registry, San Fernando, the woman stated that in early 2002 she proceeded on leave, but was subsequently granted additional leave by the NLCB Board. Scheduled to resume duties on August 2, 2002, Smith stated she was instructed by letter (August 2, 2002) to remain on further leave. On September 2, 2002, the SASC directed Smith to cease to report for duty until further notice.