COLIN SPENCER, deputy chairman of the board of the National Cultural Foundation, has resigned from that post less than two months after being appointed.

Chairman Ken Knight confirmed the resignation yesterday, stating that the entertainer/calypsonian wanted to participate in this year's Crop-Over Festival and it would be a conflict of interest if he continued as a member of the board.

Knight, however, commended Spencer on his brief stint with the board, saying that he would be missed.

He added that the announcement of the new deputy chairman would be made, possibly by the end of the week.

THE DAILY NATION also spoke to Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, who pointed out that Spencer had indicated that being on the board would hamper his entertainment opportunities.

"That is how he makes his money – entertainment is his business so it would be a conflict of interest," she said.

She also pointed out that her husband's company, Garner and Garner Associates Inc. which managed the Spirit Of The Nation show was forced to give up that contract because of her position in the ministry.

Spencer, who unsuccessfully contested the St George North Seat for the Democratic Labour Party last election, said he would make a statement tomorrow.

For the last three years, Spencer has been singing with the Hennessy Hit Parade tent. He also performs on the hotel circuit. (MB)