The response sent to RTC News from HE stated: “I very much regret having to publicly correct Mr Skippings’ version of events issued yesterday, but I cannot remain silent when a public figure tries to discredit the Governor’s Office in this way,” said Governor Todd.
“My staff, together with colleagues in the UK, put together a full programme which would have seen the leaders of the PDM and PNP join other world and Caribbean leaders at the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony on Friday, before going on to meet with the UK politicians and officials that they will work with now and after the November election.
“I note that our simultaneous communications with the PNP led to a successful outcome, and do not understand, therefore, why the PDM’s internal communications failed on this occasion.”
The dates of communication between the Governor’s Office and Oswald Skippings.
- Thursday, 4 July – invitation issued to both political parties from UK Foreign Secretary William Hague (copy attached)
- Sunday 8 July – E-mail from Sharleen Cartwright Robinson acknowledged the invitation.
- Monday 9 July – Reply copied to Sharleen Cartwright Robinson providing further information on the initial programme.
- Tuesday 10 July – E-mail from Governor’s Office to Oswald Skippings confirming dates of visit and requesting passport details etc., to allow flights to be booked. Mr Skippings provided these by return the same day.
- Monday 16 July – E-mail from Governor’s Office to Oswald Skippings asking if he had any special dietary requirements. Reply received the same day from Mr Skippings.
- Thursday 19 July – Draft programme sent to Mr Skippings.
- Monday 23 July – Joining Instructions for Olympic Opening Ceremony sent to Mr Skippings. Separately in a meeting with Governor, Mr Skippings mentions that he hasn’t seen a programme for the Olympic Ceremony. Joining instructions were reissued and copied to Lyndon Hall to ensure receipt.
- Tuesday 24 July – Joining Instructions re-sent to Lyndon Hall to ensure receipt. Email from Sharleen Cartwright Robinson claiming insufficient information provided and therefore, declining the visit. E-tickets e-mailed to Skippings and to Lyndon Hall. Tuesday 24 July at 12.45 – Final programme e-mailed to Skippings.
- Wed 25 July – E-mail Sharleen Cartwright Robinson stating that we had managed to get her provisional flight and accommodation bookings if she wished to accompany Mr Skippings. Confirmation from Lyndon Hall that Skippings would not be travelling to London.
