The Tribune

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell has confirmed that investigations into labour disputes at the Grand Bahama Shipyard have been completed by Director of Labour Robert Farquharson.

Mr Mitchell received a report on the matter just a few days ago.

“I’m still in the midst of studying the report and I’m awaiting the advice of the director of immigration,” Mr Mitchell told reporters following graduating ceremonies for immigration officers in Grand Bahama on Friday morning.

“I will obviously be consulting with various people. Key, of course, is the commercial sector in Grand Bahama generally, the trade union, the employer and then I will make a decision in the best interest of this island, the employers, the employees and the country.”

It was recently reported that several employees from the Grand Bahama Shipyard had been let go from the company without explanation.

Since then appeals were made to Mr Mitchell and other government officials, as workers claimed they were “unjustly” terminated.

Mr Mitchell said that he has spoken with all parties concerned in the matter and ordered an investigation into the claims of the employees.

“I strongly believe that this is a country for Bahamians and I don’t step back from that sentiment whatsoever,” said Mr Mitchell.

“So, the people of Grand Bahama can be assured of my desire to do everything possible and in the best interest of all parties to solve the problem. This is not just a problem here in Grand Bahama, because there is a real immigration problem in Abaco, complaints in Eleuthera, Harbour Island and even New Providence.

“It appears to me that Bahamians think that people, in exchange for an investment in the country, want to define them out of the country. So, the government must stand in the gap. At the same time, there are balancing factors such as one’s qualifications must be good, productivity must be good, value for money must be good and service must be good.”