The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT - The FNM is appealing to the private sector to partner with them in finding employment for the 42 Urban Renewal workers here whose contracts expired in June.

Pakesia Edgecombe, former candidate for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, said schools have just closed and those affected families now have to worry about how they will provide for their households.

"I can only imagine what they are going through now, and will be going through in the coming summer months to ensure that their children are prepared for school," she said.

Mrs Edgecombe said the PLP had promised that it would do right by Bahamians.

She said: "Less than 100 days following their win at the polls we have seen the dismantling of our Bahamian citizenry.

"The fact that 42 workers in Grand Bahama and others in New Providence are without jobs is showing they are not concerned about what is going on as far as the Bahamian household is concerned."

Mrs Edgecombe stated that the Urban Renewal programme has excelled in the last five years, despite comments to the contrary.

"I know the programme has excelled in the last five years. I can speak for West Grand Bahama and Bimini and can report that elderly residents and school students have been helped in tremendous ways because of the programme.

"And the employees - who contributed to its success have done an excellent job - are now without a job.

"We want them to know that we are here and will continue to fight for them and all Bahamians," she said.

Senator Kwasi Thompson said the Urban Renewal workers have done nothing wrong and have the right to support whatever political party they wish without being victimised for it.

Putting politics aside, he said: "We all should focus on those 42 lives which have been negatively affected: they are mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters who have responsibilities to their families. Our focus should be on them," he stressed.

Mr Thompson said that helping Grand Bahamians was the PLP's main campaign theme during the elections.

"This is the same GB which was spoken about (during the election of) how difficult things were in GB. The entire country realizes that the unemployment rate is higher in GB than it is in most islands in the Bahamas.

"I ask the question whether the action of the PLP has made anything better or has it made it worse; it certainly has made it worse for the 42 employees at Urban Renewal and the small home repair," he said.

"I call on the Prime Minister and other representatives of his government to reconsider and look at the lives of these persons who will be affected. They are all Bahamians deserving of the right to keep their employment and support their families."

Norris Bain, former Marco City candidate, said the loss of income would have a trickle down affect on the children of the 40 affected families.

"This is the time when young people look forward to mom and dad being able to take them on a little vacation (before going back to school).

"And their (the PLP) decision will greatly impact those families and their children. It certainly does not send a message that they are looking out for Bahamians and young people.

"This concerns me deeply, but I want those families to be encouraged in spite of what they are faced with at this time," Mr Bain said.