The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant claimed that the government was aware since last June of the alleged unacceptable behaviour of the general manager at Memories Resort, but had done nothing about it.

He said that the government’s recent response to the actions of a hotel official toward the Grand Bahama Youth Choir and allegations of staff abuse at the hotel has come too late.

Mr Grant, a member of the Free National Movement, initially brought concerns about the Memories Resort to the nation’s attention during his contribution in the House of Assembly in June.

“I find the government’s response to the recent actions of the general manager of Memories Resort most interesting ... but very late. I await the end results of their investigation,” Mr Grant said in a statement.

Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell and Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville are reviewing a report concerning an incident at the Memories Resort on Christmas Eve when the general manager reportedly told the Grand Bahama Youth Choir and its director Kevin Tomlinson to the leave the resort before completing their performance.

Last week, Minister of Labour Shane Gibson told reporters that the Department of Labour was investigating allegations of alleged staff abuse at the Memories Resort.

In his contribution in June, Mr Grant spoke of frequent reports of unfair working conditions and poor treatment of employees, and in particular, female employees.

At that time, he said: “They have reported that a senior executive has no respect for them as women. Members of this government are aware of the activities at this resort and have done nothing about it. Where is the ‘gender equality’ being promoted by the side opposite?”

“What is so egregious, Mr Speaker, is that I’m advised that the individual concerned, was run off this island before, from another resort for his ‘unacceptable’ attitude and behaviour. The question is, how did he get back into this country?”

While in Grand Bahama on New Year’s Eve, Mr Mitchell said the government takes such allegations seriously and will meet with corporate executives at the resort about the matter before a decision is taken.