DaviesTHE BETTING, Gaming and Lotteries Commission is likely to name Clive McCullock as its chief executive officer, Gleaner sources reported last night.
Mr. McCullock is director of Gaming and Lotteries at the Commission.
Yesterday, Dr. Omar Davies, Finance and Planning Minister, said that Howard Mollison has been appointed acting chairman of the commission's board, with the priority assignment of identifying the CEO.
However, it was not immediately clear from Dr. Davies's statement what would be the fate of John Thompson, the executive chairman of the Commission, who is off on three weeks leave. In that capacity, Mr. Thompson essentially carried out both the functions of chairman and CEO.
Dr. Davies denied a report in The Sunday Gleaner that Mr. Thompson had been sent on leave pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of unprofessional conduct.
"I wish to state categorically that I have ordered no investigation nor is Mr. Thompson's leave related to any suggestion of impropriety or professional conduct," Dr. Davies said. "The fact is that Mr. Thompson requested my permission to go on leave because of difficulties and sustained opposition he has faced in implementing changes at the Commission."
Sources say that the seven-member board on which Mr. Thompson sits, is resolute that it would not work with him.
Crucial to the board's concerns is what is said to be Mr. Thompson's bumpy relationship with some of his staff.
Mr. Thompson took over as executive chairman of the gaming regulatory body last year. He was on a one-year, $3.3 million contract, which is scheduled to expire on September 15.
