– Brassington declares
– says he has always done his job with honesty, integrity
AMID a spate of attacks and insinuations by certain sections of the media and the political opposition in parliament, Head of the Privitisation Unit and Chief Executive Officer of NICIL, Mr. Winston Brassington yesterday came out in defence of his personal integrity, declaring that he can ‘stand up to whatever scrutiny’ is brought to bear. In a letter to the media yesterday, Brassington said he felt compelled to respond, given the recurring nature of these attacks, and especially in light of the fact that, as far as he is concerned, he has done his job with honesty and integrity throughout the years, including as Head for both the Privatisation Unit and NICIL.
Following is the full text of Brassington’s letter to the media:
“In recent weeks, Kaieteur News and opposition parties in Parliament have made a number of attacks and insinuations regarding my conduct as Head of the Privatisation Unit (PU) and NICIL.  Given the recurring nature of these attacks, I feel in defence of my personal integrity, that I should respond.

Period and Performance (Service Record)
First, at the end 2011, I have completed over 17 years at the Privatisation Unit, 15 of these years as Executive Secretary and Head of Privatisation. During this period, I have worked in a full time capacity as a contract employee.  From the start of 2002, I assumed the CEO responsibilities of NICIL, the Government holding company for investments.

During the last 17 years, I have also served a Director/Chairman of dozens of state boards.
As far as I am concerned, I have done my job with honesty and integrity and can stand up to whatever scrutiny is brought to bear.   I have also complied with all submission requirements to the Integrity Commission.
As Head of the PU and Executive Director/CEO of NICIL, I report to the respective Boards and Cabinet as appropriate.   In my capacity as CEO/Head, I may also respond, as appropriate, to various questions that may be raised by the parliamentary committees or media.
Additionally, questions on the activities of PU/NICIL may also be raised in Parliament and answers submitted via the responsible minister or via the HPS Press Conferences.  Over the last 17 years, PU/NICIL has responded to many questions.
In early 2011, I signaled my intention to government to join the private sector.  This decision was taken well in advance of the 2011 elections and was guided by the fact that the privatisation programme was substantially complete.
By the end of 2011, I reached agreement in principle with government, that from 2012, I would work on a part-time basis, transitioning to a consultant. At the same time, I have made it clear, that I am committed to ensuring that those matters that I am working on will be completed or where my institutional knowledge is required, that this is available.
Further, I am personally committed to ensuring that any questions regarding the integrity of the process and transactions can be addressed.”