FAMILY FIRST Ex-NCRHA chairman stands firm on decision to resign after threat By Anika Gumbs CCN Senior Multimedia Investigative Journalist A former government official has been linked to the threat against Dr Nalini Kokaram-Maharaj, who resigned as the chairman of the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) six days after Cabinet approved her appointment. The Express learned the former government official, who had a previous brush with the law, is expected to be quizzed by police next week. Two weeks ago the former government official sent a request to Kokaram-Maharaj to become acquaintances on the business-oriented LinkedIn social networking site, a source said. However, Kokaram-Maharaj denied the request because she did not know the former government official. Yesterday, Kokaram-Maharaj said she would stick to her decision to resign because her family comes first. Contacted on the matter yesterday, National Security Minister Gary Griffith said: “We received a tip-off and the matter is being looked into. I cannot say more at this time.” Reports are on December 9, Kokaram-Maharaj went to Trincity Mall in East Trinidad to do some shopping before attending a Christmas concert with her two children at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya, which was hosted by the Specialist Learning Centre. Kokaram-Maharaj later returned to her SUV and discovered the tyres were punctured. On the windscreen of the SUV was a note which read: “We are watching you. Decline the post at NCRHA or else....” The matter was immediately reported to security at the mall. The Express learned footage from the surveillance cameras at Trincity Mall is to be viewed to assist with the investigation. In light of the incident, Khan has offered to provide Kokaram-Maharaj with 24-hour armed security if she withdraws her resignation and heads the NCRHA board. “I spoke to Dr Kokaram-Maharaj yesterday and I assured her that the necessary steps will be taken to ensure her safety. It is on that basis she assured me that she will reconsider her position. The new board is looking forward to working with the new chairman. “The matter is very serious and is part of a police investigation, so I do not want to say too much at this time,” Khan told the Express when contacted yesterday. Acknowledging she spoke with Khan yesterday and had agreed to reconsider her position, Kokaram-Maharaj said: “Unfortunately, my decision remains the same. “I did promise Dr Khan that I will reconsider my position. I know he will be disappointed but it is not an easy decision. I was so enthusiastic to pick up the role that I felt very capable of handling it. “My family is everything that I have. I had their full support to get into it. This entire incident shook my world. I am looking over my shoulder constantly. It was not an easy decision to make but I cannot serve under these circumstances.” Board appointments Kokaram-Maharaj, who replaced former chairman Dr Shehenaz Mohammed, tendered her resignation to Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan one day after the incident. Kokaram-Maharaj and the other board members were expected to receive their instruments of appointments next month. Cabinet also approved the appointments of three new board members—Dr Chandra Saroop, Joy Cruickshank and Ryan Ramcharan. The trio replaced board members Sandra Sookram, Maureen Estwick and Stewart Smith. trinidadexpress/news/Family-First-285681681.html
Posted on: Sat, 13 Dec 2014 04:07:51 +0000
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