The new board of directors of the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) convened its first board meeting on Thursday, with the chairperson, Luann Hadaway, highlighting “confidence placed in us to safeguard an institution that belongs not to any one individual, but to the people of this country”.
Hadaway made history by becoming the first woman to chair the NLA board since its establishment in 1984.
Hadaway brings to the role nearly 40 years of experience in banking and finance, “a background that positions her well to guide the authority during this important period of governance and institutional strengthening,” a press release said.
The deputy chair is Bryan Alexander, a businessman, accountant and musician.
The NLA operates within the Ministry of Finance’s portfolio and plays a critical role in supporting national development initiatives.
Hadaway thanked McGregory Sealey for his management of the NLA since its establishment.
“He has been remarkable in managing our National Lotteries Authority,” Hadaway said, according to a copy of her remarks, emailed to the media.
She thanked the outgoing board for their service, dedication, “and for seeing the continuous growth of this noble institution.
“Most importantly, our staff has served for decades and are so dedicated to our institution. Thank you to the entire staff. We wish to assure you that all we require is for you to continue to carry out your duties with integrity and commitment to the NLA.”
The NLA was established to support sports and culture in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. However, over the last 25 years, the mandate has seemed to expand to include education and healthcare.
iWitness News was reliably informed that the Unity Labour Party government, which was voted out of office in November 2025, used the NLA as a sort of petty cash account to pay for miscellaneous things and services for various people.
Hadaway told her board of directors that the NLA is “more than games and numbers.
“It is a public trust. It represents hope, opportunity, and national development. Every dollar generated carries an expectation that it will be managed with integrity, transparency, and purpose. As a board, we are the stewards of that trust.”
She said Thursday’s meeting of the new board “marks the beginning of a new chapter, one in which good governance, accountability, and professionalism must guide every decision we make.
“Our role is not to manage day-to-day operations, but to set clear direction, provide sound oversight, and ensure that management operates within a strong framework of controls and ethical standards.”
She said the directors must remember that public confidence is fragile.
“It is earned slowly and lost quickly,” Hadaway said and urged board members to commit to clear rules and fair processes and strong financial and risk oversight.
She said that they must also abide by responsible gaming and social responsibility and transparent reporting and communication.
“Our success will be measured not only by revenue generated, but by how responsibly those revenues are managed and how meaningfully they benefit national development, particularly in areas such as (sports & Culture – 80 %) (education, health, and community upliftment – 20 %).”
She encouraged open dialogue around the board table, saying, “Differences of opinion are not weaknesses; they are strengths, once they are grounded in respect, evidence, and a shared commitment to the public good. Let us challenge ideas, not individuals, and let our decisions always withstand public scrutiny.”
She told directors that all documents and deliberations arising from meetings of the NLA must be treated “with the strictest level of confidentiality.
“Board papers, reports, discussions, and decisions are privileged and are to be used solely for the purpose of carrying out official duties,” Hadaway told her directors.
“Members are expected to safeguard all information entrusted to them and to ensure that no part of the authority’s business is disclosed, discussed, or circulated outside of this room without proper authorisation. Upholding confidentiality is essential to maintaining trust, integrity, and the good governance standards of the NLA,” she said.
Hadaway told directors that the first meeting would “focus on establishing the foundations: understanding our mandate, confirming our governance framework, and identifying early priorities.
“If we get the foundations right, the institution will stand firm,” Hadaway said.
The other directors and their areas of expertise are:
· Olson James – ACCA Certified Accountant with experience in financial reporting, auditing and budgeting.
· Teressia Bruce – Human resources, finance, marketing, general management.
· Delisia Charles-Defreitas – Business and project management and procurement.
· Sheena Child – Admin professional, specialising in project coordination and grant administration
· Esteban Hernandez – Accounting and finance.
So we see wife of Minister and active campaigners of the NDP! Well Parson did say to christen your pickney fuss!
NDP is the “new” ULP!