The Barbados Agricultural Society has rejected claims that former chief executive James Paul was abruptly dismissed or deliberately locked out of a recent meeting, as disagreement continues over the circumstances surrounding his departure from the organisation.
BAS President Henderson Williams and board member McDonald Stevenson said Paul’s departure followed a planned retirement and organisational restructuring rather than a sudden dismissal.
Stevenson said discussions with Paul had been taking place during the year and that he knew when the transition was expected to occur. He also said Paul had been offered the opportunity to assist the organisation as a consultant during the transition.
The BAS has maintained that Paul’s retirement took effect on September 1. However, Paul previously disputed that account, telling Barbados Today that he had not retired and saying he had not received an official letter confirming his retirement.
Williams, in an earlier response, said official correspondence had been provided and maintained that Paul had initially agreed to the transition arrangements.
The society has also responded to claims that Paul was deliberately prevented from attending a recent meeting involving pig farmers.
Williams said attendance was limited to official members of that commodity group and that Paul was not a registered pig farmer. He said the restriction was connected to membership rules and concerns surrounding the unusually high attendance at the meeting, rather than an attempt specifically to exclude Paul.
BAS officials said the organisation is reviewing its structure and future leadership arrangements. Williams has argued that the society needs to modernise its operations and determine what organisational structure is now appropriate.
Paul had led the society’s operations since 2001 after succeeding longtime general manager Haynesley Benn. He became a prominent public voice on agriculture, food security and challenges facing local farmers during his tenure.
