NATIONAL Insurance Board staff were up in arms yesterday over the appointment of Labour Minister Shane Gibson’s close relative to a managerial position in the organisation, The Tribune understands.
The appointee, who is said to be the first cousin of the minister, was brought on as an assistant manager of NIB’s Prescription Drug Plan.
The move is one of three new management appointments that sparked outrage because they were undertaken in contravention of NIB’s industrial agreement, inside sources say. Around eight staff members in the Prescription Drug department are said to have called in sick in protest. It is reported that these positions were not advertised, and many within the organisation felt that they had the skills to fill them. They resented outsiders being brought in as managers over them.
When asked if he authorised the employment of his relative at NIB, Minister Gibson denied any knowledge of new managerial appointments. He then asked: “So what does that mean? You are asking me a question, I want to know what you mean. I don’t know what you are talking about.”
Staff are also angry at labour representatives for their silence over the issue.
One claimed someone in the union must have “come to an accommodation” with the government over the appointments, as the NIB contract clearly states all managerial positions must be advertised internally – giving existing staff a chance to apply – before an external person can be hired. The staff member pointed out that union president Winston Moss, brother of PLP Exuma MP Anthony Moss, was always protesting against former NIB director Algernon Cargill, but has not risen to the defence of his members under the present government.
The Tribune was alerted to the situation early yesterday morning by several employees, who claimed that with what has gone on at NIB in recent months, they are now questioning their own job security.
Morale at the Board is at an all time low, they said.
This new upheaval comes after NIB director Algernon Cargill was suspended and chairman Gregory Moss later fired by Prime Minister Perry Christie following a row over the use of Board funds.
It also comes several months after the hiring of Minister Gibson’s son at the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (BCB) – one of around 30 appointments there since the election.
In an almost identical situation, the PLP was criticised by existing BCB staff because of the connection between the governing party and many of the new employees.
The two new NIB managers –other than Mr Gibson’s relative – are said to be a former store clerk and a manager of a nightclub.
They are now the Drug Plan’s executive officer and senior clerical supervisor, the sources said.
Employees said that the current manager of the Drug Plan had no prior knowledge of any new employees, finding out only on the day the three reported for work.
The situation is said to have come as a “slap in the face” to long-serving employees, who feel they have been trumped by individuals without relevant qualifications or experience.
NIB staff said they have been told that before they can apply for any senior position, they would have to obtain a bachelor’s degree. But, they say, at least one of the new managers does not have a college education.
At press-time last night, it was understood that a senior staff member at the Board was in the process of drafting a letter expressing concern over the appointments to the Board’s Human Resources Department.
Comments
1voice 11 years, 10 months ago
He doesn't know my @$$.
jackflash 11 years, 10 months ago
Come on man - Believe in Bahamains!
That's what this is all about..
You get what you vote for.
Ironvelvet 11 years, 10 months ago
What is laughable about this whole thing is the biggety nature of which Shame answers the questions into his preference for employees be their his blood or cronies. You are an MP, please act like a professional, your biggety response is only appropriate for the street corner and they will not scare off questions.
spoitier 11 years, 10 months ago
Everyone looks out for family one way or the other, however, you don't go ahead and hire someone right under the ministry you're in charge off. Let someone else do it at another ministry and in return hire one of their family. It may sound like i'm justifying him, I know he is one of those MP that is making the country look bad, but this is not the worst thing a MP can do, could possibly one of the stupidest thing.
Concerned 11 years, 10 months ago
In the words of Hubert Ingraham, "he has no shame, no shame I tell ya"
banker 11 years, 10 months ago
Three words: Anna Nicole Smith
Concerned 11 years, 10 months ago
These some serious fellas we have in government now. They don't care about nothing and no one but themselves. WOW!! If everyone at NIB knows the hiring procedure, been following the hiring procedure and always hire people according to the procedure, then the only way someone can be hired outside of the procedure it will have to be by someone new to NIB who does not know the procedure and has the authority to override any procedure that is in place. One of those such persons was fired by the Prime Minister two weeks ago and only one if left behind...... the Minister.
SDRFC 11 years, 10 months ago
Perry's cabinet is off the rails again. I don't know why he was ever put back in charge. Although I support locals gambling their homes away if they so chose to, the way Perry does things are a Cluster F-ck. His cabinet's are always rudderless and Ministers and Appointees go rogue (a la Stubbs, Shane, Moss, Miller et al). Perry 2.0 is no different. When will we learn that rehasing old L.O. protegees is not the answer for a modern Bahamas. So many talented 40/50 somethings with brilliant minds and skill are being wasted while Rome burns under this fool.
leeza 11 years, 10 months ago
I agree wholeheartedly thats what they voted for he need to bring in all his sisters their husbands their children the whole nine yards. LOL
akbar 11 years, 10 months ago
This government is on a mission to steal every valuable asset in this country. They now want to switch ownership from the entire populace to a few individuals establishing themselves as emperors. Land ,utilities, labour they want to own it all.Beware of the smokescreens!
USAhelp 11 years, 9 months ago
Got what you asked for. Bet they get voted in again.
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