NBS says Ombudsman did not link Arjoon’s firing to investment in Berbice Bridge

Apr 20, 2022 Letters

Dear Editor,
The New Building Society Limited (NBS) notes with grave concern that there continues to be inaccurate reporting of the ‘Maurice Arjoon Appeal Case’ touching and concerning his summary dismissal from NBS, which is currently engaging the attention of the Court of Appeal in Guyana.
Of most recent, Kaieteur News on April 13, 2022 made reference to an Ombudsman’s Report which it published “…confirmed Arjoon’s contention that he was framed for refusing to lend some $2B of NBS’ money to the Bharrat Jagdeo-led government for the construction of the Berbice River Bridge”.
This statement is factually inaccurate, a mischaracterization of the findings of the Ombudsman’s Report, in breach of the sub judice rule, prejudicial to the pending appeal proceedings and damaging to the reputation of the Society as a premier financial institution in Guyana.
Contrary to the above inaccurate published statement, the Ombudsman in his Report at pg. 23 stated, “I have no jurisdiction to pronounce on the action of the NBS Board in firing the managers and I therefore refrain from any comment.”
NBS was not invited to take part in the determination of the complaint made to the Ombudsman by Maurice Arjoon. The Ombudsman nor his office did not invite NBS to so partake. He never sought to interview or obtain a statement from the New Building Society or the Board of Directors.
We categorically state that the Berbice Bridge investment was one of the most profitable investments made in the history of the Society and continues to be a profitable venture. There were absolutely no risks involved in that investment and there was no disagreement or disaffection with Mr. Arjoon’s position on that matter nor was he dismissed for his alleged lack of support of the investment or anything touching and concerning that investment. His dismissal emanated out of completely different circumstances touching and concerning the execution of his duties. Any insinuation or allegation to the contrary or that he was “framed” by NBS is a complete fabrication.
It is most regrettable that just a day after Counsel for NBS made mention during the hearing of the said appeal of the continued public statements being made thereon in breach of the sub judice rule, that such statements would be proffered. In the premises, we call on media houses to observe the sub judice rule and to ensure that published statements are not prejudicial to individuals or organizations that are involved in litigation matters.
Specifically, with regard to Kaieteur News, we call on them to wholly withdraw the aforesaid inaccurate statement and issue an unreserved apology to NBS.
Sincerely,
Anil Beharry
CEO/Director/Secretary (ag)
New Building Society
Editor’s Note:
Apology
Kaieteur News hereby issues an apology to the New Building Society with regard to an article published in the ongoing appeal between Maurice Arjoon and the bank. In a recent article, this newspaper erroneously stated that a Ombudsman report had confirmed Arjoon’s contention that he was framed for refusing to lend some $2B of NBS’ money to the Bharrat Jagdeo-led government for the construction of the Berbice River Bridge. However, the ombudsman’s finding did not pronounce on anything related to this allegation. As such, this publication wishes to apologise to the NBS and regrets any inconvenience this error may have caused.

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