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MARIGOT--Director General of Semsamar Marie-Paule Bélénus-Romana and her predecessor Jean-Paul Fischer were taken into 48-hour custody in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe, on Monday, where they were placed under judicial control and "mise en examen."
On Wednesday, they appeared before a Judge of Instruction. The Judge's decision was based on "suspicion of conflicts of interest, misappropriation of funds and favouritism."
The development is the latest in a three-year investigation into the operations of Semsamar, and follows various revelations that emerged from the so-called Milos report and audit of the company. The Collectivité is a 51-per-cent shareholder in the mixed capital company.
In a statement issued Thursday, President of the Territorial Council Aline Hanson, a former President of Semsamar, said: "I heard about the indictment of the Director General of Semsamar and her predecessor. I take note of the decision, however, the indictment of Semsamar as a moral entity obliges me to consider the implication of the Collectivité, which is the major shareholder of the company. Shareholders might be involved, but I will communicate again on the position of the Collectivité in this matter."
Semsamar was created in 1985. After 24 years at the helm of Semsamar, Jean-Paul Fischer retired in 2009 and was succeeded by Marie-Paule Bélénus Romana, who was formerly an Assistant Director of Semsamar.
There has been no official reaction from Semsamar or from the current President Wendel Cocks.
The timing of this news will come as an embarrassment for the company, which has recently made efforts to raise its public profile through its various social actions on behalf of the community. The company is planning to celebrate its 30th anniversary with an open house and various activities on June 19.
