NALIS toilet paper memo 'ill-advised,' 'disturbing'

PLANNING Minister Camille Robinson-Regis says an enquiry has been launched into a "disturbing" memo from the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) executive director to staff.

She was responding to an urgent question in House on Friday from Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial who asked whether a memo addressed to NALIS staff circulating on social media was authentic. In the memo staff were advised to buy their own water and toilet paper due to a shortage of funds.

Robinson-Regis replied Friday: "The memo from the executive director of NALIS was disturbing and immediately upon sight of same, the Minister of Communications requested that the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications make an official enquiry of the executive director as to its authenticity and the contents of same. Neither the Permanent Secretary nor the Minister were apprised of any situation warranting this memo."

She said the preliminary that has been received suggests that the memo may have been "ill-advised" and the Minister has requested the provision of documentation surrounding the existence of money which NALIS had in its possession which would negate the effect of the content of the memo.

"It appears the executive director was ill-advised to author such a memo."

Ramdial asked if there was sufficient funds at NALIS to purchase water and toilet paper. Robinson-Regis replied that NALIS has an account with $26 million in it.

"I find it quite curious that such a memo would have been authored and we are very concerned about that. We are trusting that it was not politically motivated especially given the fact that our information is that the memo was also sent to (former UNC minister and political activist) Devant Maharaj."