KINGSTON, Jamaica — President of the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) Professor Fritz Pinnock is to proceed on special leave, effective immediately, to allow for the completion of ongoing investigations surrounding activities at the university.

According to the CMU, the decision follows a discussion involving the Chairman of the CMU Council (Board) Dr Hyacinth Bennett and Professor Pinnock today, during which both Pinnock and Bennett agreed that in the interest of transparency he should continue to be on leave until investigations, which are being conducted by the Office of the Auditor General and other agencies have been completed.

Pinnock had returned to work on September 30 having voluntarily applied for, and been granted leave by the CMU Council Chairman more than once in order to allow space for the investigations surrounding the CMU to be completed.

According to Bennett, the CMU continues to cooperate fully with the Office of the Auditor General to supply information in relation to the ongoing investigation, including requests made up to today.

“The activities of the Caribbean Maritime University have been proceeding smoothly with the next major event being the Annual Graduation exercise scheduled for November 15,” Bennett said in a statement today.

While Pinnock is on leave, Professor Ibrahim Ajagunna will continue to act as president and Professor Noel Brown as deputy president, the statement said.