The attitudes displayed at the recent SPCA AGM, as reported in the article: Questions raised at SPCA AGM over transparency – are utterly appalling, to say the least.
The behaviour and decisions of the current management committee, as well as the statements by one Jaimin Patel, cannot go unchallenged.
The attempt to prevent Alan Hall from thoroughly investigating financial records by telling him that financials had to be viewed on site, smacks of a cover-up.
Summarily revoking the honorary memberships of individuals who have poured their hearts and souls into assisting our local SPCA over the years, also smacks of a cover up. These individuals include a much-loved local vet as well as local businessmen and animal lovers whom have poured immeasurable amounts of time and money into assisting the SPCA.
Patel and the current committee must be called out for passing the buck and refusing to take accountability. His statement that they cannot, as a committee, make their own decisions on lifetime memberships, proves them to be a weak and indecisive committee.
Patel, as apparently an individual with legal qualifications, should know very well that having the treasurer’s daughter involved in providing bookkeeping services is highly unethical. Saying that services are provided at a reduced rate is not an excuse for flouting the principles of good corporate governance.
I also find it absolutely shocking that a very pertinent issue raised by Brandon Lehmann regarding serious criminal charges laid against the treasurer, was just brushed over. Surely this issue should have been properly addressed at the meeting, and the ethical response would have been for the individual concerned to have stepped aside of her own accord, until this issue has been resolved in a court of law.
In conclusion, the point that members in “good standing” were wearing orange tags at the meeting is utterly laughable. Stop this nonsense.
ANESH SOOKLAL
Deeply concerned
Editor’s Note: This letter was sent to Patel for a right of reply, but no response was received before going to print.
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