THE management of the ATL/Sandals Group has assured all team members, contributors to the ATL Pension Fund and pensioners that their pension contributions are safe.

“We would like to emphasise that notwithstanding the charges brought against former senior directors of the group, in relation to the administration of the pension fund, the integrity of the fund remains intact,” the group said in a press statement.

Police investigations have resulted in the charging of Patrick Lynch, the former Pension Fund chairman, and Jeffrey Pyne, along with former general manager Catherine Barber. They have each been charged with four counts of conspiracy to defraud.

Pyne was charged with an additional further four counts of causing money to be paid by false pretences, bringing the total for him to eight counts of fraud.

“This is a sad day for the group as a whole, as they are former colleagues. The matter is firmly in the hands of the police; we respect their responsibility and duty, and await the outcome of this process. We therefore will make no further comment on the matter at this time,” said the statement over the signature of Group Communications Director Rachel McLarty.