The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE Board at National Insurance have taken the first steps in identifying possible replacements for former Director Algernon Cargill, NIB Minister Shane Gibson confirmed yesterday.

While Mr Gibson would not disclose who the contenders were, NIB insiders insist that a front runner for the position is the late PLP cabinet Minister George Mackey’s daughter, Phaedra Mackey Knowles who now serves as NIB’s Deputy Director of investments. Sources close to her claimed she did not know that she was being considered by the Board.

Mr Mackey, in 1982, was elected as the member of parliament for Fox Hill, and on June 27 appointed 
minister of Housing and National Insurance.

However, when contacted, Mr Gibson said he did not know if she was being considered to fill the position left vacant after Mr Cargill’s firing last Thursday. He added that no decision had been made whether the next director would be appointed from the ranks of current NIB executives or persons from other organisations outside NIB.

“I think the Board should be advancing some names,” Mr Gibson said, “as well as I will advance a couple of names for the Board’s consideration. Hopefully over the next couple weeks that could be concluded in terms of a recommendation from the Board.

“I’m not sure of who they are looking at or if they are looking at anyone, that’s their responsibility. But we’ll (the government) be advancing some names as well.

“We have not interviewed anyone yet. A couple of names have been pushed around and we’ll wait to see which names the Board advances.”

Despite a six-day-old vacancy, Board Chairman Fr James Moultrie insisted that NIB has been fully functional since November, when Mr Cargill was placed on administrative leave. An acting Director, Mrs Cecile Bethel, has been at the helm of operations since that time, Fr Moultrie said. The position will be advertised in the coming weeks.

“It’s only been a few days, but I am sure all of the local media will know as advertisements will have to go out, but these things take time as there is a lot that goes into a selection process such as this.”

When asked whether Mrs Bethel was being considered, he said if she applied there would be consideration.

There is still no clear indication on what the government’s next steps are, however, Mr Cargill has requested a judicial review of the NIB audit.