The executive officer of the National Training Board (NTB) has been placed on ?administrative leave? while an internal investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the quango is carried out.

Michael Stowe, who has held the post for six years, told yesterday that he was off the Island on Friday when he found out.

He confirmed that an internal inquiry into a matter at the NTB was under way and said the Police were not involved.

The news comes just days after the chairman of Bermuda College Board was sacked by Government and a month after the top civil servant at the Human Rights Commission, another Government board, resigned following complaints about his work. The commission?s chairman resigned in June.

Mr. Stowe said that to describe his leave as a suspension was ?too strong?, adding: ?It?s really administrative leave concerning a matter.

?I?m not overly concerned about this matter of administrative leave. As a matter of fact I believe it gives the opportunity to conduct a full and complete investigation of the matter and certainly (the opportunity) to improve financial management oversight issues.?

He added: ?I can?t say any more about it ... because things are underway. When the action was taken I was actually overseas on a personal medical matter and I returned to the Island yesterday (Saturday). I have to wait until such time as a determination has been made concerning the matter.?

Mr. Stowe said a report on ZBM television news on Friday evening which claimed he was locked out of the NTB offices was ?not altogether true?, adding: ?The offices are operational and there are staff members there.?understands that the matter relates to alleged financial irregularities and that none of the board?s four other staff members have been placed on leave.

Education Minister Neletha Butterfield confirmed that an investigation was ongoing at the NTB but would not disclose its nature.

A Government spokesman said: ?A situation is being investigated at the National Training Board and the Ministry has no further comment.?

NTB chairman Herman Tucker could not be contacted for comment last night.

Mr. Stowe joined the NTB ? a committee of Government which offers technical and vocational training to Bermudians ? as a consultant in 2001 and became a civil servant in January this year.