Since my return from Vancouver, Canada, I have been diligently investigating and assessing the circumstances that surrounded the non-renewal of Mr. Leon Symister's contract as General Manager by the Chairman and Board of the APUA.

The expiration of Mr. Symister's contract and the Board's decision not to renew it were simple administrative matters. However, the methodology employed in Mr. Symister's case differed to that extended to other managers whose contracts had also expired and were not renewed.

Instead of being treated in an objective manner and recognizing the sensitivity involved, the matter was mishandled by the Chairman and the Board and allowed to escalate into a disagreeable spectacle, resulting in the unwarranted public humiliation of Mr. Symister.

This callous treatment of the former General Manager by the Chairman and the APUA Board of Directors has resulted in the undermining of public trust and confidence in Mr. Symister.

The Board must therefore accept full responsibility for the unnecessary actions taken by the Chairman and members.

While we respect the autonomy of the statutory boards that we appoint, my Cabinet Members and I cannot and will not support any disregard of my views as Prime Minister of this country, particularly where their actions fly in the face of logic, objectivity and good old common sense. Accordingly, we strongly and unequivocally condemn the actions taken against Mr. Symister by the Chairman and Board of the APUA.

In light of this, the Chairman and other Board members may wish to reconsider their role within this institution and their individual compatibility with its functioning as an arm of government.

Statutory Boards must recognize that they function within a political framework and while my Government will do nothing to compromise their integrity and the objective discharge of their duties, due regard must be had to the wishes of my Government as expressed through the Minister charged with their general direction and myself as Prime Minister of this country. Now more than ever there is need to educate members of the various Statutory Boards of their role in complementing Government in the proper governance of the country, within the existing political framework.

I personally take this opportunity to reassure Mr Symister that he continues to enjoy my highest esteem and also my gratitude for the service he gave during his tenure at APUA. I am also committed to collaborate with Mr. Symister and support his professional endeavours and to continue to work with him politically.

May God bless us all as He blesses the nation of Antigua and Barbuda.