Rain could not stop dozens of frustrated and angry protestors who gathered at Rawson Square on Wednesday chanting and picketing in an effort to continue their fight in the six year battle against CLICO Bahamas.
Wednesday’s crowd only represented a fraction of the estimated 13,000 policyholders who are accusing the insurance company of stealing millions of dollars out of their pockets, but the protestors still managed to get their point across.
The demonstration was led by policyholder and former member of the Creditor’s Committee Bishop Simeon Hall. Bishop Hall said the group, who feels extremely cheated, will not give up until they acquire what is rightfully theirs.
“This is an unfortunate experience that 13,000 people have been going through for years,” he said.
“It is wrong for anyone to steal from the least, the lost and the left-out. But, in my particular case, CLICO abused the money of the church. I promise you, while I am involved, I am really concerned for these people here today and the some 13,000 people who have been disadvantage by this disastrous situation.”
Bishop Hall said successive governments have neglected the situation and with elections approaching he reminded politicians that they too will soon need the public’s support.
“Under the Free National Movement and Progressive Liberal Party, millions of dollars was allowed to get out of the country,” he said.
“I am hopeful and I believe God that something concrete will be said today and all these people plus others who have been affected and called. I got a call from four Family Islands over the last few days who are saying they need their money. I have a case with an elderly lady who says she refuses to die unless she gets her money. These are the kind of things we are facing.”
Policyholders at the demonstration, some even with their children, said they have lost everything.
Bishop Hall said Wednesday’s protest is just the start of more to come, if something is not done.
CLICO Bahamas Limited collapsed back in 2009, financially affecting some 30,000 people including more than 100 employees.
