The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – The former workers of Island Construction who were laid off more than ten years ago have still not received their redundancy payments, despite a judgment in their favour by the Industrial Tribunal.

Ceva Seymour, a spokesperson for the workers, held a press conference at her office on Monday in the Merport Building to call attention to their plight. Some 20 former workers attended. The group is now calling on the Prime Minister and other relevant government authorities to intervene. Ms Seymour said the workers have been patient for too long. She noted that 34 workers were laid off in 2000, and some of them have even died over the 10-year period.

“These men have been industrious and loyal workers,” she said. “They have contributed greatly, not only in placing Island Construction at the top of the list of construction companies in our nation, but they have assisted in building the Grand Bahama community, and by extension the entire Bahamas,” she said.

Although the men took their matter to the Industrial Tribunal and won their case several years ago, she said the owners refuse to them. Ms Seymour has tried contacting the Prime Minister, but has been unsuccessful.

“We wrote him on December 28, but we have not heard back from him,” she said.

“We want to let the PM know that it has been too long and it is time for these young men to be paid.”

Seymour is a former Royal Oasis employee. She had been instrumental in assisting her fellow hotel workers with getting their final redundancy payments by agitating and speaking out on their behalf.

Ms Seymour claimed that she has telephoned the Prime Minister’s office in Nassau on several occasions, only to be given the run around. She attempted to contact the PM again on Friday.

“His secretary hung up on me as I tried to convey and express my concern on behalf of the former workers,” she claimed.

“Right now, four persons have passed away. How many more will have to die before they get paid?”

“We are now asking the PM to intervene and give us some direction as to how his administration will address this issue,” she said.

James Pinder, a former worker of 25 years at Island Construction, said it is unfair that the company has refused to pay them what they are rightly owed.

“I think it is about time that someone steps in and assists us in getting our money,” he said.

“It is very sad that some of the workers have already passed away and their wives are now suffering.

“We need the PM and the relevant authorities to assist us,” he said.

The Tribune tried to contact Island Construction, but could not find a telephone listing for the company in the telephone directory. Assistant Director of Labour Harrison Sands in Freeport was unavailable for comment. A labour officer told The Tribune that the company is no longer in operation in Freeport. The officer also noted that union leader, the late Hurie Bodie, had represented the workers.