Minister, Potts reported to Integrity Commission
Sport Minister Anil Roberts and Buxo Potts, the former promoter he appointed as Special Adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Board of Control (TTBBC) have been reported to the Trinidad and Tobago Integrity Commission, along with Ashwin Creed, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs.
Boxing Board member Ricardo Phillip had submitted the complaint against the three men in a letter dated December 3, two days before he was among four members of the Board sacked by Roberts on Monday, December 5. He is alleging inappropriate action by the trio in a number of matters related to the distribution of funds and the hiring of Board personnel.
The four sacked officials are former deputy chairman Yaqub Abdul-Haqq and ordinary board members Janet Dennis, Mala Nasib and Phillip. They have been replaced by newly-appointed chairman, attorney Annabelle Davis, the People's Partnership candidate for Port of Spain North/St Ann's West, Ruth Marchan, Colin Mills (Tobago) and Neale Greaves.
On Friday, Potts handed out instruments of appointment to the four newcomers at the Ministry of Sport. Replying to questions about his part in the distribution, Potts said he was given the role because both the Minister and permanent secretary were out on assignment. However, Creed was in the building and seen entering his office on the fourth floor of the Ministry, a few minutes before the media conference began.
Potts was asked why the four were fired and replied: "All Board members are appointed at the Minister's behest, and the Minister was not satisfied with their performance.
However, Phillip's letter to the Integrity Commission paints a picture of a Boxing Board in conflict.
Phillips' letter dated December 3, was sent to Martin Farrell, registrar of the Integrity Commission and copied to Dave Bobb, Director of Sports, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.
In the header the letter states: "This letter represents my complaints to Members of the Board with regards to the Minister, the Permanent Secretary (Mr. Creed) and Mr. Boxu Potts. It was sent to my fellow members two days after my refusal to support a boxing card for Mr. Potts and his son. My position is keeping within the laws of Trinidad and Tobago and specifically the Integrity in Public Life Act chapter 22:01."
Efforts to reach Sports Minister Anil Roberts by telephone were unsuccessful.
By Ian Prescott
Source: www.trinidadexpress.com