Gibson: Morale high at NIB after Cargill's firing

Wed, May 22nd 2013, 10:57 AM

As the National Insurance Board (NIB) commences its search for a new director, Minister of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson said yesterday morale at NIB is at an "all time high" following the firing of former director Algernon Cargill.
Cargill, who held the post more than four years, was fired last week for alleged gross misconduct.
Gibson said NIB is looking for someone whose values align with NIB's mandate.
He said once suitable candidates are identified, the board will make a selection.
"We have not interviewed anybody yet," said Gibson before heading into a Cabinet meeting.
"A couple names have been tossed around and we'll wait to see which names the board advances and then we'll also give them a couple names. Then we'll make the decision from there."
Cargill's termination brought months of intense NIB scrutiny to a head.
Despite the controversy that continues to surround NIB, Gibson said morale is higher than ever.
"The employees last year took a no confidence vote and I'm sure you remember the results of that no confidence vote. So you could tell me based on that, how you think the morale is at this time," he said.
"Based on what I see it's at an all time high. Of course, you will always have a few persons who would have concerns, but that's normal in democracy."
Gibson was referring to the vote of no confidence in Cargill that the Public Managers Union and the Union of Public Officers took last May.
Despite that vote, Cargill continued to actively serve as NIB director until he was suspended last November.
His suspension came after then NIB Chairman Gregory Moss wrote to Gibson advising him that the board of NIB had voted to terminate the director. That 22-page letter outlined a number of serious allegations against Moss.
Shortly after the letter was leaked, the government retained accounting firm Grant Thornton (Bahamas) to investigate the claims detailed in the letter.
The forensic audit found that bonuses may have been improperly paid to Cargill and other executives, and also highlighted reported irregularities in the awarding of certain NIB contracts for various projects.
Auditors also found that Cargill is listed as an officer of the company owned by his brother that rented an apartment to NIB.
Last week, Cargill asked the Supreme Court to set aside the findings of the audit.
In his application for judicial review, he also asked the court to "quash the decision of the minister of labor and national insurance to appoint the accounting firm of Grant Thornton" to conduct the forensic review.
Cargill is also seeking a declaration that Gibson's appointment of Grant Thornton "amounts to a usurpation of the power of the Board of NIB".
As for NIB's response to the judicial review, Gibson said the matter is still under review by NIB's attorneys.
"I saw a copy for the first time (Monday) and I think our lawyers got a copy on Friday or over the weekend," Gibson said.
"[Cargill] is requesting a judicial review and in light of that we need to seek legal advice on whether it would be appropriate to continue to discuss that matter at this time."
Last November, Cargill took legal action against Moss and NIB following the allegations. That matter remains outstanding.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

 Sponsored Ads