Newly appointed Housing Development Corporation (HDC) chairman Rabindra Moonan yesterday hit back at his detractors after receiving his instruments of appointment.
Speaking with reporters after the installation ceremony at Cypress Hill’s Housing Development, Union Hall, Moonan said he was not aware of any controversy surrounding his appointment.
Opposition leader Dr Keith Rowley and Movement of Social Justice (MSJ) have opposed his appointment as chairman, two months after being fired as chairman of Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL).
“It seems to have been manufactured but certain sectors of the community. There has been absolutely no controversy as I am concerned.”
Told that many people have opposed his appointment, he said Rowley and MSJ was not many.
“And this the hysteria we face in the country that two people make noise and you say many.
"I am not a politician but if I was, I would have asked who or what does the MSJ represent. Dr Rowley should remember I campaigned with him in 1997 to be the leader of the PNM. He failed, but Dr Rowley was fired from the ministry of housing, so he has no moral authority to speak about me being fired.”
Moonan, however, said he remains confident in doing the job he was mandated to do by the Cabinet and government.
“I move forward. I will not be distracted or run off the road with any vehicle.”
Also defending Moonan’s appointment, Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal said Moonan brings a range of expertise.
“When we look at the skills at the board level we thought it was a right mix. We move full speed ahead.”
And that was his message to the new board during his address, “My first message to the new board of directors is that there shall be no slow down in our programme of housing construction to 2015/2016.”
Moonan, in his brief remarks, said he felt a sense of deja vu having been appointed to different board (CAL) a year ago. Thanking Moonilal, the Prime Minister and Cabinet for "reaffirming faith in me in joining the public service".
The Board:
- Rabindra Moonan - chairman
- Graig Davis - deputy chairman
- Douglas Johnson - member
- James Lambert - member
- Rodney Lamsee - member
- Manmoham Balkaran - member