The vice president of the Agricultural Society of T&T (ASTT) Devika Sookoo has resigned.
However, the ASTT has made it clear that there's no confusion brewing in the organisation.
The resignation letter dated December 1, 2022 was sent by Sookoo to ASTT president Daryl Rampersad.
When contacted Rampersad told the Guardian Media that Sookoo's resignation was for her betterment as he indicated that since they have been elected they have not been paid their respective stipends.
The president receives a stipend of $8,200, the vice president $6,500 and other directors $4,500.
"We still haven't been paid. We have not been receiving our stipends since we came in as the Board of the Agricultural Society. We are not receiving any stipends so I know people will have to start looking for another way of life at the same time because being in a position of president and vice president that is a full-time position," Rampersad said.
Asked if he reached out to the Ministry for feedback, Rampersad said several times he reached out and is being told that there is an ongoing audit report which is why stipends are not being paid.
"The audit report started because of who were there before me. I inherited this and I think it's unfair. I'm not in for any legal battle but I'm hoping everything sorts out soon and our stipends are paid up."
Sookoo when contacted did not indicate any ill with the ASTT but instead wished the Society all the best in its future endeavours.
"I've been in the Society since 2013 and having been a director then from 2013 to 2021 and becoming the vice president of the Agricultural Society in 2021. Now I'm looking for leave of the ASTT because of the fact that I would have seen that I have grown in the system, grown in the Society and there’s a better place outside there for me," Sookoo said.
Efforts to reach the Minister of Agriculture Kazim Hosein for comment proved futile.
