T&TEC chairman quits

Omar Khan

Omar Khan has resigned as chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC). The Express newspaper reported on Wednesday that Khan confirmed that he quit on Monday.

The paper said it spoke with Khan by telephone who explained that there were "a number of reasons" for for leaving the public utility, especially the dual responsibility of managing the Trinidad and Tobago cricket team and heading the T&TEC board.

The Express said Khan explained that he had been discussing his departure for "several months" with the line minister.

Sushilla Ramkissoon-Mark

The paper said it understands that Public Utilities Minister Emmanuel George will take a note to Cabinet on Thursday recommending deputy chairman Sushilla Ramkissoon-Mark to take over Khan's responsibilities until her term ends in November. She is the wife of Wade Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The paper is speculating that Khan's departure is connected to allegations about his involvement in the selection of contractors for T&TEC's street and recreation ground lighting projects.

He has dismissed the allegations relating to his interference in the tenders matter, noting that it was the board's prerogative to direct the management on how to handle the lighting program.

"Boards operate that way. That's how we bring better value to our customers and the communities with which we work," he told the paper.

He also suggested that there is "mischief and bacchanal" associated with allegations against him.

"Sitting on a board is national service. You are asked to serve. It's not a job you get paid for, you simply get a stipend and you are up to public scrutiny. Your character is at stake," he told the Express.

"I have worked for 30 years in this industry and I never had an issue before. All I am trying to do is help and I have to bear the pettiness and bacchanal of this society we live in," he said.

The Opposition has also claimed that Khan's engineering qualifications are bogus. However Khan dismissed that.

"When that matter came up, it was dealt with. I provided the relevant documents. As far as I am concerned, I have done a good job and was making a positive difference in the culture change of the organisation," he said.

T&TEC is subject to two investigations: a criminal probe by the Anti-Corruption Investigation Bureau for its street-lighting programme and a forensic audit by the office of the Attorney General. Both investigations are related to the commission's activities during the Manning PNM administration.