Calls were made on both sides of the House of Assembly for answers over how the executive officer of the National Training Board (NTB) was suspended for five months before being cleared over allegations of financial irregularities.

However, Minister for Labour and Immigration Derrick Burgess did not accede to calls from the Opposition to announce an official inquiry.

Mr. Michael Stowe resumed his duties at the NTB yesterday, having been cleared after an investigation by the internal audit section of the Accountant General's Department. He had been told in a letter from the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Immigration Robert Horton on Tuesday that he had been "completely exonerated" over the allegations — details of which have never been made public.

On the eve of his return to work, he told this newspaper his prolonged absence from the NTB, which offers technical and vocational training to Bermudians, left it in a shambles. He also alleged that his removal from duties last September was illegal, in breach of Public Service Commission regulations, and caused severe damage to his professional reputation.

He expressed hope that there would be a full investigation into the circumstances of his suspension, saying:"As a senior civil servant I would hate to think any of my colleagues would have to experience something like this".

Commenting on the matter in the House of Assembly last night, Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell appealed to the Government to carry out an inquiry.

"What happened? Why did it take five months? This is the public's right to know," he said.

"My appeal tonight is that you need to make sure this doesn't happen again and the only way is to have some sort of inquiry. How can we find out what went wrong, who was responsible and why it went wrong?"

He added: "Anyone who knows Michael Stowe would have to go a long way to find anybody who's more of a gentleman and more honourable."

Government whip Ottiwell Simmons echoed this praise.

"If there's a person who's worthy of their keep, it's Michael. He's a man of integrity," he said, commending his success at the NTB and criticising the slow rate of the progress of the inquiry. "If the NTB's in a shambles, Michael will get it running again."

He said, however, that while he believed Mr. Dodwell had good intentions in calling for an inquiry, "I don't know if that's the best way or not, but I would suggest to the Labour Minister that he take time and look at the matter thoroughly...and I would like him to take time and come back and report what he considers to be the best thing after he's considered it".

Deputy Speaker Jennifer Smith said she too had "first hand knowledge of Mr. Stowe's passion, his dedication and integrity, and the work he's done to make the National Training Board one of the great successes of this Government".

She said work continued at the NTB in his absence, although not at the standard that Mr. Stowe set for himself.

"I, along with everyone else, am very glad he's been exonerated. I had no doubt he would be. I'm disappointed it took so long and I join with my colleague (Mr. Simmons) in saying that I am sure that the Minister will ensure the proper thing is done" she said.

Mr. Burgess said it would be "inappropriate" for him to comment on Mr. Stowe's remarks as reported in this newspaper.

"The inquiry was concluded and the outcome was communicated to Mr. Stowe's attorney" he said, adding that if they had any more communication they could address his Permanent Secretary or the head of the civil service.

"The National Training Board is not in a shambles," he claimed, saying that its chairman and staff managed its work during Mr. Stowe's absence.

"We are glad he's back and appreciate the concerns expressed by the Honourable Members," he added.

Mr. Stowe said last night that after discussion with the Civil Service and other parties he was in no position to comment.