The chief executive officer of Lake Asphalt of T&T Ltd Leary Hosein has been fired via a telephone call. A termination letter was also delivered to Hosein’s mailbox yesterday.
Guardian Media exclusively obtained a copy of the termination letter dated June 3, 2017, which reads: “…you are hereby terminated as CEO of the company with immediate effect…”
It was on June 23, 2016, Hosein was suspended, pending an investigation into the award of a $100 million contract days before the 2015 general election.
A tribunal—comprising attorney Keith Scotland, National Energy Company legal and corporate secretariat manager Camille Blackman and First Citizens director Jayselle McFarlane—was then set up to investigate the allegations. Hearings were held on January 3, March 15 and March 31, 2017. Guardian Media understands that the tribunal submitted its report to the board on May 29.
Now 15 months after his suspension, Hosein received a telephone call from chairman of the Lake Asphalt board Christopher John-Williams informing him that his employment was terminated with immediate effect.
“I returned a missed call from the chairman and he informed me that the board took a decision to terminate my employment. He (Christopher John-Williams) said they got the findings from the tribunal and they acted on it,” Hosein said.
Hosein said he was informed by the chairman that a copy of the termination letter was delivered to his mailbox.
“While I am disappointed, like I told the chairman, I am glad it happened in Ramadan because this is the greatest month for Muslims and whatever happens in this month is Allah’s will,” Hosein added.
The termination letter, which was signed by corporate secretary Ayanna Sylvester, reads:
“The board of directors has carefully considered the finding of the Tribunal comprising of Mr Keith Scotland, Ms Camille Blackman and Ms Jayselle McFarlane which held hearings on 3rd January 2017, 15th March 2017 and 31st March 2017 and at which hearings you were represented by attorneys and had ample opportunity to present your case and to defend yourself against the charged (as amended) dated 14th June 2016, which were laid by the company against you.
“A copy of the Report of the Tribunal dated the 29th of May, 2017 is attached hereto.
“The tribunal, having found you guilty of ten (10) charges proffered, and the board, having accepted their finding and determined that your conduct as detailed therein amounts to gross and/or serious misconduct, you are hereby terminated as CEO of the company with immediate effect pursuant to the provisions of Clause 11© (iii) of your letter of appointment dated the 18th of September 2012.”
Hosein said he was surprised that his lawyers who were part of the tribunal were not aware of the final report.
When asked if he would be pursuing the matter legally, he said: “My lawyers have not seen the letter yet, they haven’t been informed, they (lawyers) have not seen anything, so they will be the ones to decide.”
Hosein has been asked to surrender his company vehicle as well as other company property in his possession.
I am confirming he no longer works with us—chairman
Guardian Media also contacted Lake Asphalt chairman Christoper John-Williams who said: “All I am confirming is that he no longer works with us.”
KRISTY RAMNARINE
