Jack Warner wants Calder Hart fired from NIB

Chaguanas West Jack Warner is calling for the immediate removal of Calder Hart from the post of Chairman of the National Insurance Board (NIB). Hart is also the Executive Chairman of the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT).

In a news release, Warner said Hart is in a conflict of interest and that he in ineligible to hold both positions because of the regulations governing the appointment of directors and a chairman to the NIB.

The MP pointed to page 8 of the National Insurance Act, Chapter 32:01 section 3(2) that states:

The NIS System is managed by an eleven-member Board comprising of:-

1. Government representatives
2. Labour representatives
3. Business representatives
4. the Executive Director
5. a chairman who in the opinion of the Minister (Finance) is independent of Government, Labour and Business

Warner said Hart, the current Chairman, was in fact a Government representative on the board before he was elevated to the post of Chairman.

He said this in itself disqualifies Hart from serving as Chairman of the NIB.

"It is a blatant disregard for the law and a clear violation of the rules governing the appointment of a chairman for the NIB," he said.

The MP said in view of the clear evidence of a breach of regulations Hart should be removed forthwith to maintain the integrity of the National Insurance Board and to protect people who have contributed to the system.

"There is more to the whole scandal. Not only is Mr. Hart not eligible to be the Chairman of the NIB, he is in a clear conflict of interest. Since UDeCOTT borrows money from the NIB to finance its multi-million projects, Mr. Hart is in effect the person who applies for the loan and then approves it," Warner said.

Warner said this is scandalous and called for an independent public investigation into the loans approved by the NIB to finance UDeCOTT projects.

"In particular the government must reveal the terms and conditions of each loan, especially the rate of interest."

The UNC Deputy Leader said, "Mr. Manning has an obligation to give citizens the assurance that Mr. Hart, in his dual role of borrower and lender, is not bankrupting the NIB...The people who depend on the NIB must know that this breach of rules and conflict of interest is not putting their benefits and pensions in jeopardy."