Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Members of the Internal Audit Unit of the University of Technology, who were sent on vacation leave last week, following the leak of an internal report to the media, have been asked to report to work tomorrow.

In a paid statement appearing in today's Sunday Gleaner the University of Technology (UTech) Council says: "Owing to the progress in the investigations, members of the Audit Unit have been asked to report to work on Monday, February 4, 2008." The council says further that the action of sending the audit staff on leave "was not intended to impute any guilt to the individuals ..."

The report, which was leaked to the media late last year, outlined concerns by the university's internal auditor about procedural breaches in contract-related payments made to the new president, Professor Errol Morrison. UTech's management said last week that the public disclosure of the contents of the report had resulted in death threats to Professor Morrison.

Serious breach

The UTech Council's statement explains that the four staff members were sent on leave to facilitate investigations into the leaked document because "the audit report originated in the Internal Audit Unit and, therefore, it is only reasonable that the investigations into this serious breach should begin at the source." The council adds that despite the return of the audit staff to work, "the security investigations will continue".

Referring to the "procedural shortcomings" raised in the audit report, UTech's management says it is "satisfied that the (president's) contract is now being administered along lines that are in keeping with the administration of employee benefits usually granted to executives that occupy positions of this nature".

The statement also seeks to clarify the issues of housing and motor vehicle allowances that were highlighted in the leaked audit report. Due to the unavailability of university housing at his time of employment, Professor Morrison had rented the house he occupied to the university for a monthly fee of $150,000. In today's statement, the council says, based on professional valuation, "it appears that the landlord could be owed additional rental."

Regarding the provision of a motor vehicle for the president, the UTech council says this is to arrive in the island in April, and in the interim, he is to be provided with a vehicle "rented from an established vehicle rental company".

The statement added: "In respect of the matter of entertainment, which was also raised in the audit report, it would be expected that from time to time, the president would entertain officials to support the university's development programme."

Auditor's concerns

Value of president's rented property - $150,000 monthly.
Refund of house-repair costs to president - $61,634.
Refund of grounds maintenance cost - $10,000.
Refund repair cost for home equipment - $17,000.