Turnover of SporTT CEOs being investigated

Independent Senator David Small, a member of the PAEC, outlined this recommendation during a news conference at Tower D of the Port-of-Spain International Waterfront Centre on Wednesday.

Addressing this issue at the post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, Smith said, “They are working on that right now.” He reminded reporters, “We inherited Life Sport and what went on with the Sport Company.” Stating that his ministry is working “very closely” with SporTT chairman Michael Phillip and his board to comply with the PAEC’s recommendations, Smith added, “So far, so good.” Small said the PAEC found the Sport Company had seven CEOs from 2004 to 2015 __ three were fired and three resigned. In its submission to the PAEC, the Sport Company said the compensation package for the CEO post did not attract the quality of individuals to fill this position.

The company also said the high turnover of CEOs was compounded by the high turnover of its board, line minister and permanent secretaries since 2014.

In its report on the company, the PAEC said proper protocol was not followed regarding the hiring of De Edge Consulting Ltd on January 7, 2011, to do an organisational review and redesign of the Sport Company.

That exercise cost $1.06 million.

As a result of this exercise and the dismissal of employees, the company faced several lawsuits from these persons.

Settlements from nine cases cost the State in excess of $2.5 million, with legal representation for one of these cases costing $137,000.

The PAEC also found the company was operating with an unapproved 2012 to 2016 plan; there was a lack of sports registered; was ill-equipped to manage projects under its purview and lacked a strategic approach to sport development.