Mayor steps down to face fraud charge

Vinnette Robb is to assume the reins of mayor of St Anns Bay following a decision by Ivan Anderson to step down from the position yesterday.

Anderson's decision to step away follows a ruling by the Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn that he be charged with fraudulent conversion.

Llewellyn yesterday refused to entertain questions about the nature of the allegations made against Anderson. She, however, told The Gleaner that the police had submitted a file to the clerk of the St Ann Resident Magistrate's Court for a ruling after a complaint was made against Anderson.

Llewellyn said that following a ruling by the clerk, the file was sent to her office where it was reviewed and the ruling endorsed.

Gleaner sources indicate that the matter involves a multimillion-dollar real-estate transaction undertaken by Anderson, who is a land surveyor.

In a press release yesterday, Anderson said he was not guilty of the crime that has been alleged against him.

"I wish to affirm my total and complete innocence and my intention to vigorously challenge these charges and clear my name," Anderson said.

He has announced that not only would he be taking leave as mayor, but also that he would give up all offices within the People's National Party (PNP) until the case is resolved.

Anderson, however, remains councillor for the Brown's Town division. He would have been the PNP's caretaker for North West St Ann had delegates not rejected him and opted instead for former Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas in the run-off in April.