Why the SLB board stepped down

Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke has revealed that there were reports of management and governance issues with the previous board of Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB).

According to Clarke, the concerns were expressed in a November 2018 letter he received from some members.

"On enquiry it was evident that there was a difference of opinion on these issues within the board,” Clarke was quoted as saying in a release issued by his office today.

He said during discussions with the board members, he decided that it was best to appoint a new body.

Yesterday, Financial Secretary Darlene Morrison told a parliamentary committee that the old board headed by Dr St Aubyn Bartlett demitted office last month.

However, she could not say whether they resigned or were fired.

This morning, two former board members told The Gleaner on condition of anonymity, that, in keeping with protocol, the entire board decided to step down in March last year when Clarke replaced Audley Shaw as Finance Minister.

They also said, they were, however, asked to stay on so that Clarke could focus on matters of national importance.

In his release today, Clarke confirmed that on assuming office, he had asked that all boards remained in place.

According to the minister, the new board, which was appointed in December last year, will be charged with resolving the management and governance issues raised.

He said it must also ensure that the SLB continues to fulfill its mandate in assisting Jamaicans to access quality education.

New SLB board
Nicholas Scott (Chairman)
Sandra Glasgow (Deputy Chairman)
Dr. Andre Haughton​
Roxanne Miller
Julie Thompson-James
Andrew Simpson
Andrew Harris
Karelle Samuda
Terise Kettle
Timothy Wilson
Veronica Warmington

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