Pan Trinbago power play

TENSION is rising Pan Trinbago’s head office. Sources told Newsday, president Keith Diaz is practically working on his own since other executive officers are hardly in the office during the day, preferring to show up after hours.

And to compound the situation, a letter to National Carnival Commission chairman Colin Lucas, dated March 7 and sent by the executive of Pan Trinbago without Diaz’s signature, has caused added anxiety.

The letter, titled Decision Making on behalf of Pan Trinbago, quotes certain sections of the organisation’s constitution outlining the power and authority of the president on the one hand, and the executive on the other.

It reads in part that the president shall have the power and authority to conduct the executive functions of the association when the central executive committee is not in session, and all such action he takes is subject to the approval of a majority of the central executive committee at their next meeting after he exercises these powers.

It also says the central executive committee shall have all the powers of the convention in managing the association between the convention and general meetings of the general body.

The letter concluded with the Central Executive Committee instructing that all decisions regarding the deliberations of Pan Trinbago shall be undertaken by them and communicated through the office of the secretary of the organisation.

Lucas offered no comment on the letter initially, but later said both parties have legitimacy.

A similar letter was sent to Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Performing Arts, but she said a subsequent letter from Diaz was sent to her negating the first, and feels the differences among the players are being worked out.

But according to Aquil Arrindell of the Concerned Individuals for Pan (CIP), a serious power play is taking place at the head office and it is all orchestrated by a financial adviser.

Arrindell, who was once education officer, said so in his correspondence to fellow CIP members.

Pan Trinbago’s central executive currently comprises Diaz, secretary Richard Forteau, treasurer Andrew Salvador, PRO Michael Joseph, external relations officer Darren Sheppard, and trustees Allan Augustus and Trevor Reid.

The positions of three members of the executive who resigned in frustration have never been filled. They are vice president, assistant secretary and education officer.

Given the anxiety of members of the fraternity, Newsday was told that the only thing Pan Trinbago can really do at this time is have an election for an interim committee to run the affairs of the organisation until the constitutionally due elections are called in October.

Diaz, on Thursday, issued a notice for an emergency general meeting to be held on March 27 to discuss “The report on the status and conditions of the organisation.”

Newsday asked Diaz if the meeting was to announce his resignation, he said “No.”

As to whether he will call a date for early elections, he said: “Let me talk to my membership first.” He however indicated that he will not be putting himself up for any re-election.