GPL cuts ties with Interim CEO Colin Welch -Govt. Officials

Two senior Government officials have confirmed the firing by the board and have indicated that the reason may have to do with recent decisions taken by the interim CEO regarding the awarding of contracts for the power company.

GPL cuts ties with Interim CEO Colin Welch   -Govt. Officials

The Board of the Guyana Power and Light company has decided to fire the interim Chief Executive Officer of the company, Colin Welch.

Two senior Government officials have confirmed the firing by the board and have indicated that the reason may have to do with recent decisions taken by the interim CEO regarding the awarding of contracts for the power company.

Mr. Welch had been fingered in a controversy involving a company that was preparing to bid for a GPL contract. Welch was accused of giving advice to the bidder, which would have allowed that company to enter the bidding process with an advantage. He had denied the accusations.

The Government had been strongly criticized for keeping Welch on the job while a probe into the allegations was set to get underway. But the government may have been awaiting the appointment of the new board.

That new board was appointed a few weeks ago with businessman, Robert Badal serving as the Chairman.

News Source made several efforts today to contact Mr. Badal about the decision to cut ties with Welch. He was not in his office and several calls to his mobile phone went unanswered and messages to his Whatsapp service were read but no response was forthcoming.

Last week, when reports surfaced that the board was preparing to fire Welch, Mr. Badal said then that Welch was out of the country and no such decision was made at that time.

Another board member offered “no comment on the issue” whether it was off or on the record.

Management at the Guyana Power and Light Company remained in the dark on the decision. A number of company officials admitted hearing whispers but said the board has not formally notified management about the decision.

Welch became the interim CEO after the coalition government sent CEO Bharrat Dindyal packing last year. He was being paid over $6 Million per month and wanted a salary increase even as the cash strapped power company was counting its financial and line losses.

News Source understands that Deputy CEO (interim), Renford Homer, is expected to move up to the CEO’s position. He has been acting in the position over the past few weeks.

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