Chairman of the Telecommunications Services of Trini­dad and Tobago (TSTT) and Amplia Anthony Peyson and the board resigned with immediate effect yesterday—one day after Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath accused the board of “refusing to resign” following the recent change in administration.

Padarath, who is also Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, described the board’s conduct as “a case of playing smart with foolishness”, claiming that during a visit to TSTT on Tuesday, he was informed that the board had not stepped down and was still issuing directives to management.

Peyson, however, denied this assertion, saying the board had acted in good faith and had on May 9 formally sought guidance from National Enterprises Ltd (NEL)—the entity responsible for board appointments—and was awaiting a response. He said the board chose to resign to preserve the organisation’s integrity.