BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - A former Minister of Government is questioning motives relative to a recent suspension of the General Manager of the Development Bank, Len Harris.
SKNVibes understands that sometime during the middle of last year, Harris, who is the brother of Team Unity Leader and former Minister of Government, the Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris, was sent on what was explained to be “forced vacation” for a six-month period.
According to reports, last Wednesday the General Manager received a letter indicating that he had been placed on suspension.
Contact was made with Harris yesterday (Jan. 13) who declined to comment save to confirm that he did receive a letter indicating that he was effectively on suspension. He also indicated that the letter was received on Wednesday (Jan. 7) and his vacation was to have ended on the following day.
Harris began working at the financial institution in 2001 and ascended to the position of General Manager in 2007, where he actively functioned until sent on vacation.
Former Minister of Government and Leader of Operation Rescue G. A. Dwyer Astaphan told SKNVibes that in the grand scheme of things, he is inclined to believe that this is a case of victimisation.
“I am inclined to think so...It is too many to be just a coincidence. It is difficult for me not to hold the view that this is targeting and victimisation of members of Dr. Harris’ family.”
In explaining his inclination, Astaphan spoke of three others of Harris’ siblings including former Fire Chief Hester Rawlins who was retired at the age of 55. He said he understands that anyone in the civil service could be retired at 55 years, but noted that there are other organisations headed by individuals who have past the age of retirement.
“First of all, it was Dr. Harris’ older brother Mr. Hester Rawlins who was retired at the age of 55 as the Fire Chief. Then Mrs. Janine Harris-Lake, the Registrar of the Court, then there was a difficulty with Ms. Donna Harris at the Legal Aid Clinic, the Director of Legal Aid, and now Mr. Len Harris.
“If it is that these four persons who happen to be the siblings of Timothy Harris have misconducted themselves in one way or the other, then it would be helpful for the public to get that information. And in the absence of that information being forthcoming, then it is going to be very hard not to be persuaded that this is victimisation against the Harris family.”
