Chairman of the Tourism Development Company (TDC) Rajiv Shandilya has tendered his resignation.Cabinet sources say chairman of e-Teck Brian Frontin has been tipped to replace the hotelier.Shandilya received his instrument of appointment just over a year ago at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of Spain, by former Tourism Minister Dr Rupert Griffith.
Shandilya, who dismissed rumours he was axed, said in a text message he had resigned.He said 11 members of the TDC board would demit their term after Carnival.Cabinet sources, however, said at least four other members were removed and that Shandilya would be given a position in another state agency where he would be better utilised.The new board was approved by Cabinet and is expected to receive instruments of appointment soon.
Miss Universe 1977 Janelle Penny Commissiong-Chow remains deputy chairman.According to a Cabinet source, "Shandilya was removed to improve the working relationship and cohesiveness between the TDC, the Ministry of Tourism and the line minister as the Government moves towards diversifying the economy and improving the tourism sector in Trinidad and Tobago."
The previous TDC board, which was headed by Tobagonian George Stanley Beard, was disbanded by Griffith in November 2011 because of decision-making issues.Contacted for a response, Frontin said; "I don't have evidence to suggest or confirm that at this time."
But Tourism Minister Stephen Cadiz confirmed Frontin as the new chairman."That's correct," he said in a telephone interview yesterday.
Cadiz said once Frontin assumed the new position, he would no longer be chairman of e-Teck. He said as soon as the paperwork was finalised the new board would be appointed.He said: "The Cabinet was going through the boards...and after the June reshuffle last year, I think it is a case of putting the right people in the right place."Cadiz also said Shandilya would be transferred to another state agency.
Shandilya responds
In a text message response, Shandilya said, "There has been no official communication with me."Until such time, if there is an announcement of any change of board, inclusive of chairmanship, we would continue to strategically oversee the implementation of the TDC mandate."New boards are now being put in place. The TDC board is currently very busy with implementation of Carnival and post-Carnival events."
TDC board
�2 Rajiv Shandilya-chairman
�2 Janelle Penny Commissiong-Chow
�2 Vindra Amar
�2 Clyde Adams
�2 Cheryle Dubay
�2 Dyanand Maharaj
�2 Ryan D'Arcy
�2 Carol Ann Birchwood-James
�2 Feroza Khan-Abdul
�2 Prem Badaloo
�2 Dr Allan Bachan