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Parliament Statement - UDC Board Announcement Nov 4

  STATEMENT TO PARLIAMENT

BY THE PRIME MINISTER

HON. BRUCE GOLDING

Re UDC BOARD

NOVEMBER 4, 2008

On September 15th I met with the members of the Board of Directors of the Urban Development Corporation and, after careful consideration, I requested them to tender their resignations.  I considered this action necessary and appropriate as a result of deep divisions that had developed among the members of the Board and the dysfunctional effect they were having on the management and operation of the Corporation.

I wish to make it clear that the integrity of the individual members of the Board was never in question and my decision to request their resignations does not, in any way, constitute a reflection on their character.  The difficulties that had developed within the Board were entirely related to the manner in which the business of the Board was conducted, the way in which decisions were made and implemented and the relationship between the Board and the Management.  These difficulties, in my view, distracted the Board from pursuing vigorously the mandate of the Corporation and undermined its effectiveness.

Notwithstanding the difficulties the Board encountered, I have conveyed to each member in writing my appreciation for their service and efforts as members of the Board.

Cabinet has approved the appointment of a new Board consisting of the following:

•1.            Mr. Wayne Chen (Chairman) Businessman; Chairman - Super Plus Food Stores

•2.            Miss Audrey Marks (Deputy Chairman) Businesswoman; Managing Director - Paymaster Jamaica Ltd.

•3.            Mr. Michael Ammar Jr. Businessman; Managing Director - Ammars Ltd.

 

•4.            Mr. Lennox Elvy Financial Analyst & Banker

 

•5.            Miss Daniella Gentles Attorney-at-Law

 

•6.            Mr. Zackary Harding Deputy Director of Tourism

 

•7.            Mrs. Patsy Kelly Company Director - Jamaica Producers Group

 

•8.            Mrs. Sally Porteous Business Executive

 

•9.            Mr. Robert Russell Businessman; Chairman - TPDCo

 

•10.       Mr. Michael Subratie Engineer & Businessman; Managing Director - T. Geddes Grant Distributors Ltd.

 

•11.        Mr. Tom Tavares-Finson Attorney-at-Law

 

•12.       Dr. Cleo Taylor Dental Physician

 

•13.       Mrs. Sancia Templer Chief Technical Director - Office of the Prime Minister

 

•14.       Mr. Desmond Young Engineer

November 4, 2008