(Loop News) – Former public utilities minister Marvin Gonzales said “irreversible damage” has been done to the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) following an executive management shake-up.
Gonzales criticised “political reassignments” by the government following the removal of CEO Keithroy Halliday.
He said the administration’s actions in “dismantling” WASA’s transformation has been conducted with little regard for merit, process, or the public interest.
Gonzales condemned the “character assassination” against Halliday carried out by Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath.
The former minister said: “On June 24, 2025, Minister Barry Padarath, cowardly hiding under the cover of parliamentary privilege, branded the now fired CEO of WASA, a proven and well-respected professional who was recruited through a transparent process, as a “failed CEO from Barbados”.
Such language is not only reckless; it is misinformed, disrespectful and deeply unbecoming of the Office of a senior Minister of Government. “
Gonzales defended Halliday, who took up the CEO role at the state agency on December 1, 2024. He insisted that he was the best man for the job.
He noted that Halliday ranked highest among a regional field of candidates, following a rigorous and transparent recruitment process.
The former minister said the fired WASA CEO had a proven track record at the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), righting operational and financial issues during his seven-year tenure as Chief Executive/General Manager.
