Basketball tour to St Lucia
Caribbean Star to sue Woolford
By Clyde Pestano
Stabroek News
December 5, 2003
Managing Director of Caribbean Star Airlines in Guyana, Khakan Ramjohn has disclosed that he intends to sue former Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) secretary Perry Woolford for monies owed to the airline.
Ramjohn confirmed that the airline was owed over $150,000 after a visit to St Lucia last month by a group of U-19 basketball players.
He said that Woolford had acquired credit at the airline because he had produced a letter with the GABA letterhead (seen by this newspaper) requesting quotations for 20 players for the tour.
The former secretary according to Ramjohn had beseeched his staff to give the group a reduced fare for the trip, and he (Ramjohn) had given his blessing since it was a tour which was supposed to give the young players an opportunity of a lifetime.
According to Ramjohn, the former secretary could not have obtained such credit on his own behalf. He added that the airline usually assists church and sporting groups with reduced fares from time to time in an effort to assist persons who may genuinely need help. However, he said that Woolford's action may have the effect of the airline turning down such requests in the future.
He said, "I'm very disappointed, we are destroying our name abroad and we are also disappointing the children," adding, "we gave them the cheapest rates.
Very sad! I'm very sad what has happened."
Ever since the return of the players and officials from St Lucia, numerous reports about financial impropriety and irregular practices have surfaced in relation to the tour.
It has been revealed that the Harbour Light Inn in St Lucia is owed $4049.20 EC for accommodation and meals.
This debt was assumed by Didus Fedee, a St Lucian who said that he was induced to sign a promissory note covering the sum by Woolford. Woolford had promised to send him the money when he returned to Guyana but has failed to do so nearly one month after.