Chairman of the Airports Authority of T&T (AATT) Gerald Hadeed has been banned from using or visiting the car park, offices or lounge at the Piarco International Airport, which he manages.A copy of the AATT security KIV log, which the Sunday Guardian obtained, showed that two written instructions were given to security officers by Ag superintendent Earl Alfred, to prevent Hadeed from using certain areas inside and outside the airport terminal.
The first instruction, which was given on May 25 at 10.20 am stated: "Please be informed that Mr Gerald Hadeed, the former chairman is not allowed in any unauthorised or restricted areas unless he is a passenger with a valid boarding pass."And on June 7 at 1.15 pm, another instruction was issued: that Hadeed "is not to be afforded any courtesies when using or visiting the airport terminal. For example, parking facilities or access to any offices or DRL lounge. Entry is only allowed as a bona fide passenger."
Hadeed who is on sick leave, having suffering multiple injuries after a fall, confirmed that he heard about the instructions but was not notified by the AATT of the decision taken."Nobody told me about that, but I heard about it."Hadeed said when he inquired, he was told that the instructions were directed by former deputy chairman of the AATT Kurt Ajodha.Ajodha tendered his resignation last month after questions were raised about qualifications on his CV.
After Ajodha's resignation, attempts were made to temporarily appoint Carlisle Marks and attorney Carol Cuffy-Dowlat to the posts of chairman and deputy chairman.The legality of their appointments was questioned by AATT corporate secretary Shannon Rudd, who cautioned them as they attempted to hold a board meeting recently.
Rudd told the two new members that their appointments had not been made in accordance with the Airports Authority Act, and therefore any business they carried out as part of the board would be deemed illegal.
'The PM can say if she wants me or not'
On Thursday, Hadeed described the move to debar him as "illegal."Hadeed said until he is relieved of his position by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar or the board, "I am still the legitimate chairman. If anything should happen at the airport, I am the one who would be held responsible."The last time Hadeed, a supporter and member of the COP, visited the airport was in March.
Hadeed said he hopes the PM and her Cabinet can sort out the matter.Hadeed said the confusion started when he was offered the post of chairman of CNMG, which he declined.Asked if he will resign or prefer to serve on another board, Hadeed said it does not matter.
"That is nonsense, actually. If they offer me something else I would tell them no. If they don't want me, they can just say that. I have so much things to do in my life, you know. I am offering my services to help the country, and if they don't like it they can go with their position."It's not about who wants me or who don't want me there. It's whether or not they want to have a proper functioning airport of which people can be proud, or they want it to go back to the stone age days."
Hadeed said the PM can tell him if she wants him or not. He said the last time they spoke, she was pleased with his performance.Hadeed's term as chairman will come to an end in 16 months.
AATT GM: I'm aware of instructions
Contacted on Friday, acting general manager of the AATT Dayanand Birju said he was aware of the instructions.Asked if measures were taken to reverse the decision, Birju said those instructions originated from the AATT board, under Ajodha.Birju said he received no instructions from the board to change the decision.
Questioned if Hadeed was still the chairman, Birju said "I can't comment on that. I am sure you can appreciate that the executive management of any authority can not comment on board matters. Those issues should be addressed to another quarter."
Birju could not say why this decision was taken.Alfred fell ill shortly before going on pre-retirement leave, Birju said.