The Tribune

FORMER FNM cabinet minister Dion Foulkes wants Philip “Brave” Davis, Deputy Prime Minister, fired over claims that Urban Renewal workers have not been paid since May.

Mr Foulkes, in a press statement said the workers, who were hired to assist the thousands of Bahamians in need, are now themselves needing the help as they are struggling to make ends meet.

“The Prime Minister,” he said, “should fire Brave Davis. The fact that Urban Renewal workers have not been paid since May is a national disgrace. The very same workers who are mandated to bring help and hope to thousands of Bahamians are themselves in need of urgent assistance.

“Many of them find it difficult to make ends meet. They are unable to either pay their electrical bills or pay their mortgages or rent. Some of them are receiving food stamps from Social Services. I cry shame on the PLP government for being so insensitive and uncaring towards the Urban Renewal officers.”

However, State Finance Minister Michael Halkitis said he was not aware of the situation.

“I don’t know anything about that,” he said. “Why wouldn’t they have been paid since May?”

Mr Foulkes further called on the government to reinstate 80 Urban Renewal workers who were terminated when the PLP took office.

“In May, some 80 Urban Renewal workers were fired by the new PLP government. Most of them are still unemployed. They were

terminated because they were perceived to be FNM supporters. I again call on the Government to reinstate these hard working

officers, many of whom are heads of families.”

He said there are 50 workers in Grand Bahama also who still have not been paid for seven months even after Mr Davis sent assurances that the workers would be compensated.

“This is absolutely unacceptable and Prime Minister Perry Christie should ask Brave Davis to tender his resignation,” Mr Foulkes said.