Public Administration and Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie is thanking former acting chief executive officer at Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG), Julian Rogers, for restoring independence to the State-owned company.
Rogers, a veteran Caribbean journalist and broadcaster who was appointed in March for six months, tendered his resignation yesterday with immediate effect.
Cuffie said the board had accepted his resignation and was working to fill the vacancy created.
He said Rogers was "hired on a short-term consultancy while the company was recruiting a CEO." He confirmed that the recruitment process for a new CEO was "nearing completion."
Cuffie, however, said he "will leave the choice of replacement up to the board, who I am sure would have been preparing for the end of Rogers' consultancy."
He thanked Rogers for "his valuable service to CNMG and for restoring the independent media culture that was so lacking in the organisation prior to his arrival."
Rogers informed senior staff of his resignation via email on Tuesday evening and general staff were informed yesterday. Rogers said his resignation was for personal reasons.
In his message to staff, Rogers said he declined an offer from the board to apply for the position when it began a hunt for a new CEO. He said as a result, he asked the board to relieve him of his duties ahead of its December 8 expiration.
"I wish to take this opportunity to thank the staff of CNMG for the opportunity to partner with you in steadying the broadcast and production operations," Rogers said told staff as he reflected on a near nine-month stint with them.
"In these times of continuing uncertainty, I want to encourage you to have faith in your ability to grow. The reality is that you have a future, whether public or privately owned."
He said he felt he was able to address some of the issues the company faced, including editorial independence that saddled the news operation with the perception of partisanship, creation of original and exciting programmes and strengthening its radio brands.