The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The attorney representing former City Markets employees in their more than four-year legal battle for pension and severance payments yesterday pledged to continue working for resolution, after the SupremeCourt case was again adjourned to late April.

Former employees of the now-defunct food store chain were back in court yesterday in the hope they would get closer to a resolution.

Speaking to anxious former employees following a hearing before Chief Justice Hartman Longley, attorney Rouschard Martin informed them that the matter had been adjourned to April 28, when the case would be heard in Freeport.

Accountants working for representatives of both the former employees and the City Markets pension fund trustees have been working for several months to determine the list of pension beneficiaries, and the sums due to each one.  

Mr Martin told employees: “This matter was at point of settlement. They threatened legal action against the accountants that we brought into the picture, and the accountant for the trustees.

“When we go back to court, the judge will give direction on how to proceed. This is a matter that only has to deal with the numbers and what is the true value of what the employees are owed, and what the trust is owed. That’s what this matter is all about.

“Without any delay tactics coming in, I don’t see this being a drawn out matter. They went along with us with only two accountants in this matter all along the way, and if those two came up with a figure, that would be their figure,” Mr Martin added.

“Now they have introduced another accountant, which complicates matters even more. That accountant is in the east with his figures, and we’re in the west with ours. The judge is sending the matter back to Grand Bahama where he deals with disputes, as it is clear that the matter is not settled.”

   City Markets closed down permanently back in 2012, when it was employing 350 persons and had over 500 pensioners.