By AVA TURNQUEST
Tribune Chief Reporter
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
A CONTROVERSIAL firing at Super Buck pharmacy in Grand Bahama has led to the removal of former Minister of Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville’s wife, Susie, as manager.
The move follows a ZNS Northern Service report on Friday, wherein a former employee, 21-year-old Kleesha Bevans, claimed she was fired from the pharmacy after she opted not to join Mrs Darville’s ministry.
Ms Bevans also claimed she was not made permanent after working at the pharmacy for seven months, despite passing the three-month probationary period.
It was also claimed that her National Insurance Board (NIB) contributions had not been paid.
In the ZNS report, Ms Bevans alleged staff were advised last month of a new policy requiring employees to join Mrs Darville’s church, where she is a pastor, or bring in a letter from their own ministry to prove they were spiritually-based. She claimed workers were told the policy would come into effect this month, but her termination came after she missed a weekly Bible study meeting.
She said she was called into a meeting the following day.
Ms Bevans said: “I had to choose between her church or not going and I choose not to go and she told me this is where we have to severe ties and she let me go.”
According to ZNS, in a statement posted to its Facebook page under the initial report, Mrs Darville later told the station “Bevans was not fired, but given a choice to join a church, which she believes, is a corporate decision.”
The ZNS statement continued: “While she (Mrs Darville) admits that she advised employees who do not attend her church to bring in a letter to prove that they are spiritually connected, she contends that as a believer of Jesus Christ, everything that pertains to her business and any one working there has to be of one spiritual mindset.
“As far as the payment of National Insurance, Darville promised to pay the outstanding contributions,” the report added.
The store chain is owned by David Darville Jr, Dr Darville’s son.
On Saturday, Mr Darville Jr released a statement advising that Mrs Darville was no longer affiliated with the pharmacy chain.
“Effective immediately,” Mr Darville’s statement read, “Mrs Susie Darville, manager of our Grand Bahama operations, is no longer affiliated with Super Buck.
“As the proprietor of Super Buck, I can assure the public that this business conforms with the laws of the Bahamas.
“Contrary to recent reports, none of our employees have been dismissed based on a religious premise. Super Buck respects the rights of all of our employees.”
Dr Darville is a Progressive Liberal Party senator.
Comments
birdiestrachan 6 years, 10 months ago
Why is Doctor Darville's picture here? Well I guess The PM's wife is now fair game.
jackbnimble 6 years, 10 months ago
Read this on another website and I think it rings true in this case.
‘If your belief gives you the right to not tolerate my unbelief, then my unbelief should give me the right not to accept your intolerance.’
Never let religious fanatasim transform you into an ignorant fool.
tell_it_like_it_is 6 years, 10 months ago
This is truly a silly story. As if "attending" church makes someone "spiritual".
Also, if the Lord does not force anyone to be His follower - we are free to choose to serve Him or not... why is a mere mortal trying to force anyone to attend their church?
Also, while you out there 'preaching spirituality' - stop breaking the law - and pay the employee's National Insurance.
John 6 years, 10 months ago
This entire situation is out of whack and definitely does not follow Christian principles or teachings. Christianity teaches one to be tolerant of others beliefs, It also teaches that it is not a ‘forced’ belief but one that an individual must make of their own free will and choosing. To hire someone one then tell them they must join your church or attention your bible study is not Christian. It boarders more on cultism. Even when Seventh Day Adventist persons apply for a job either they are hired with the understanding that they will not be required to work on Saturdays or that they will. But you cannot hire them then force them.
BahamasForBahamians 6 years, 10 months ago
Mike Darville is not referenced once in this article as a party to this story..
but his picture leads the article.
Hubert 'worstPMever' Minnis had his wife travel to Japan to create an export tax to The Bahamas so that the Bay Street boys can regain control of the automobile-sales industry - but not once was the not so good looking first lady's picture used.
Ava Turnquest thanks for showing us your standards in journalism. All further articles from yourself cannot be taken seriously and should be only read with a grain of salt. Political bias and favoritism bleeds out of your work.
licks2 6 years, 10 months ago
Now you know that the position of biggest "cock-up" for PM was already taken by the RHPGC. . .Lol!
sheeprunner12 6 years, 10 months ago
This story should be framed and shipped UPS to heaven ....... God needs a good laugh.
ohdrap4 6 years, 10 months ago
this anecdote is typical of family-owned businesses.
never work anywhere where the president calls the manager mommy.
mommy will always win, so you love it or leave it.
in the distant past i worked for a similar company. Often the company was not successful in obtaining contracts and bids once it was discovered that mommy was involved. electrical contractors and landscapers would turn down work because of mommy. i heard that from the potential clients and service providers myself. I did not dare tell the president, he never knew that people hated mommy.
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