The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

PRESIDENTS of respective unions that fall under the National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas are expected to protest tomorrow in Parliament square over Cable Bahamas’ alleged failure to fully honour its heads of agreement following URCA’s approval for the company to increase its rates.

Bernard Evans, Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU) president, told The Tribune yesterday that the NCTUB must take a stand against the cable provider that is intent on “using” Bahamians.

He said for the last 20 years, Cable Bahamas Ltd has not fulfilled its obligation to provide services to communities throughout the Bahamas where there are more than 16 homes.

“There are some islands that don’t have cable service at all which is unacceptable since they promised to ensure that where there are 16 homes or more, services would be offered,” Mr Evans said.

“It appears that they just want to focus on the economic side of this country meaning a concentrated effort on islands where they can make all the big money. So there is not a focus on universal services. We also have an issue where they don’t offer consistent packages in the Family Islands. So what I might get in Abaco, might not be the same thing someone else gets in Eleuthera or elsewhere in the country. They want to give customers what they want to give them. Customers have no choice in choosing.”

He added: “We also wonder why is it that for the last 20 years they have yet to appoint a Bahamian CEO? Is there no one in this country capable of running the company?

“There is also a concern about the company’s community outreach. While they claim to do their part with the Cable Cares Foundation, all it is really is a couple dollars here and there. However, you never really see them step up as a major corporate sponsor. We have concluded that they just want to use us.”

Mr Evans spoke on the matter following a letter sent to Prime Minister Perry Christie in which the union said it was prepared to take mass action, if need be, to protect the interest of the Bahamian people.

“The executive board of the National Congress of Trade Unions of the Bahamas hereby voices concerns with the recent approval of an application from Cable Bahamas Ltd (CBL) granted by Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) to Cable Bahamas to increase the price of REVTV Prime (formerly basic) with respect to a rate increase for cable services,” the letter dated January 7, 2016 read.

“Cable Bahamas Ltd has not lived up to its obligation to this country and in this regard the NCTUB and all of its affiliates and observer unions will not support any increase in cable rates at this time.

“The NCTUB is prepared to take mass action, if need be, in order to protect the interest of the Bahamian people.

“The National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas is more than willing to meet to further discuss our concerns.”

Earlier this month, Cable Bahamas Ltd announced that it received approval from URCA to increase the monthly subscription rate for residential basic cable services, called REVTV prime, from $30 to $38. Commercial basic services will also increase from $50 to $64.

These changes will come into effect February 8, 2016.