Witch-hunt is on, says Lashley

A member of the City of Bridgetown (COB) credit union is concerned about the rumblings currently taking place at the financial institution.

Former Member of Parliament Hamilton Lashley told Barbados TODAY that the effort of some members to prevent board director Henderson Williams from being appointed to the position as director of projects is a “witch-hunt”.

Lashley said that in light of the controversy seeping out, it is time the credit union’s management explains to members what is the real issue.

“I want, as a member of the City of Bridgetown Credit Union, to really say that I want to know what the real issue is. There are some accusations that there is a kind of usurping of authority at the City of Bridgetown Credit Union as it relates to certain positions, particularly in Mr Henderson Williams’ case.

“I see the credit union said that there were a lot of inaccuracies in a previous article that appeared in the Nation Newspaper. Of course, my position as a member of the credit union is I want to know what is this witch-hunt all about? Why is it that having followed all the rules and protocols of selection for any position at the credit union, this witch-hunt is being brought against Mr Henderson Williams?”

Lashley argued that it was unfair and unjust that Williams, who ran for the City of Bridgetown under the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) ticket in the last General Elections, was being targeted, considering that a committee would have had to select him to fill the post of director of projects.

He said if the correct procedure was followed, the matter should not have reached the public arena. Lashley does not believe that a majority of the members are disgruntled about Williams’ selection.

“A few people cannot determine the outcome, or determine the policies of the City of Bridgetown Credit Union,” he said.

Additionally, Lashley said while the credit union was designed to protect members, he believes that amid the COVID-19 pandemic, City of Bridgetown should be focused on investing in programmes to create an enabling environment for members.

He said there is no reason why the City of Bridgetown Credit Union cannot invest in the transport system and create co-operatives supermarkets to generate additional income and allow members to benefit.

“But instead it seems to me that the credit union is focused on personalities and who get what and who ain’t get what. But once the procedures are followed there should not be an issue.

“Once they are qualified, you cannot discriminate against a person based on personalities. But in this case, I feel it is a witch-hunt against Henderson Williams and certainly the other persons that they would have implicated in the confusion,” Lashley said.

Meanwhile, another member close to the issue who requested anonymity, blamed the confusion on a few members trying to create confusion and unrest in the organisation.

The member also indicated that Williams is highly qualified for the vacant director of projects post.

“There is no need for all of this confusion. But there are some members who do not care about the damage they do to people. It is unfortunate what is taking place,” the member said.

Barbados TODAY’s efforts to reach COB President Adlai Stevenson proved futile. anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb