Petrotrin loses board member

DAYS before Petrotrin's refining operation ceases and workers are retrenched, a member of the board who would have participated in the restructuring exercise, has become the first casualty of the plan.

An internal circular from the company to all employees confirmed board member Randhir Rampersad has ceased to be a member of the board of directors. No reason was given for his departure, causing speculation among some workers.

The memo, signed by Sharon Morris-Cummings, advised employees to amend the director listing on the company’s letterheads to only reflect the remaining members - chairman Wilfred Espinet, deputy Reynold Ajodhasingh, Anthony Chan Tack, Nigel Edwards, Joel Harding, Selwyn Lashley, Eustace Nancis and Linda Rajpaul.

The Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU), which also received a copy of the memo yesterday, said this warrants a probe. A spokesman said it is unusual at this point in the process of restructuring, for a Board member to leave without a reason. The trade union said it raises a lot of questions as to whether Rampersad was fired or if he resigned; and why.