Three days after a report by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) revealed serious administrative and financial irregularities at the Bas Artibonite Public University (UPBAS), Rector Wilfrid Azarre resigned. Cited for complicity in hijacking and favouritism, he claims to want « protect the image of the University »While the ULCC demands judicial and administrative sanctions against several officials.
ULCC points to a system marked by duplication, conflict of interest and mismanagement. The report recommends not only the dismissal of Wilfrid Azarre and his son Adzenwiller Azarre, but also a reform of the recruitment of staff, now to be organised exclusively by competition according to public service standards.
On the judicial front, the anti-corruption agency is seeking public action against Adzenwiller Azarre, Jean Eros Bayard III Vincent and Oginer Emilzo, prosecuted for abuse of office, misappropriation of public property, forgery in writing and association of criminals. The resigned rector is quoted for complicity in these cases and for overbilling.
Residents of Bas-Artibonite welcome his decision, considered exemplary in a country where many of the officials indexed by the ULCC continue to keep their posts despite heavy accusations.
W.A.
