The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Union leaders yesterday said there was “no need to panic” over potential redundancies at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) and its successor, adding that they were making no predictions on how many jobs might be shed.

Paul Maynard, the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union’s (BEWU) president, whose union represents some 1,100 line-staff, told Tribune Business: “We’re waiting; there’s no need to panic

““We haven’t heard anything. PowerSecure will be in in the next few weeks. We wait to hear from them and go from there. There is no point in making assumptions.

“Once we know what we are dealing with, I will get with my executives, Mr Minnis, from the manager’s union, will get with his executives and we will do what we have to do.”

Clinton Minnis, the Bahamas Electrical Managers Union (BEMU) president, told Tribune Business: “We are planning to meet with the Deputy Prime Minister shortly, hopefully within this week, to be appraised of the relevant information needed so that we can inform our members and we will know how to proceed. “

Opposition Leader, Dr Hubert Minnis,  during his contribution to the debate on the Electricity Bill in the House of Assembly, suggested that between 400 and 500 people will be laid off from the BEC and its successor, Bahamas Power & Light, which will operate its electricity assets under PowerSecure’s management.

However, Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis accused Dr Minnis of being “irresponsible” and playing politics in a bid to make headlines. He told reporters that no decision has been made on lay-offs at BEC, and any redundancies will be minimal.

   PowerSecure was selected as the management partner for BEC in May. It signed a $900,000 transition services agreement with the Government on July 22 to take over the management and operations of Bahamas Power & Light. PowerSecure’s five-year business plan was developed during July-September 2015.