Colin Spencer puts money before national service. Irene Sandiford-Garner complains about losses.

DLP candidate Colin Spencer has jumped ship from his new post as deputy chairman of the National Cultural Foundation. Spencer has put money before national service, and who can blame him, since (under his very own DLP government) gas gone up, chicken gone up, fish gone up, and Lord knows what else will rise in the days and months ahead. Indeed his resignation speaks volumes about his confidence in the DLP.

At the same, Irene Sandiford-Garner complains about being “forced” to give up a management contract. Her use of the word “forced” reveals that it was relinquished against her will, which tells us that she would have been happier to keep the contract while still maintaining her position in the Ministry of Culture and Community Development. Well Irene darling, you can’t have it both ways.

De Standpipe Crew

http://www.nationnews.com/story/323861800343092.php

Spencer quits
Published on: 4/22/08.

COLIN SPENCER, deputy chairman of the board of the National Cultural Foundation, has resigned from that post less than two months after being appointed.

Chairman Ken Knight confirmed the resignation yesterday, stating that the entertainer/calypsonian wanted to participate in this year’s Crop-Over Festival and it would be a conflict of interest if he continued as a member of the board.

Knight, however, commended Spencer on his brief stint with the board, saying that he would be missed.

He added that the announcement of the new deputy chairman would be made, possibly by the end of the week.

THE DAILY NATION also spoke to Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, who pointed out that Spencer had indicated that being on the board would hamper his entertainment opportunities.

“That is how he makes his money – entertainment is his business so it would be a conflict of interest,” she said.

She also pointed out that her husband’s company, Garner and Garner Associates Inc. which managed the Spirit Of The Nation show was forced to give up that contract because of her position in the ministry.

Spencer, who unsuccessfully contested the St George North Seat for the Democratic Labour Party last election, said he would make a statement tomorrow.

For the last three years, Spencer has been singing with the Hennessy Hit Parade tent. He also performs on the hotel circuit. (MB)