By Tynia Brown

Journal Staff Writer

The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) is pushing back against a wave of accusations from staff and union representatives, even as more than a dozen faculty and employees staged a sit-out this week, demanding the immediate removal of President Dr. Linda A. Davis, despite the fact that her resignation is already scheduled to take effect on December 20th.

Members of the Bahamas Union of Auxiliary Professionals in Education (BUAPE) and the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB) say they have endured “four years of turmoil” under Dr. Davis’ leadership, alleging that she has deliberately stalled employee benefits including annual increments, confirmation to permanent and pensionable status, and certification allowances.

In an emotionally charged statement issued by protesting staff, union leaders Lawrence Clarke (UTEB) and Ernesto Williams (BUAPE) accused Dr. Davis of creating a hostile and obstructive working environment.

“This turmoil that we have attempted to work in has gone on for far too long,” union representatives said. “We the faculty at BTVI are making a permanent stance in demanding the removal of the president effective immediately. We will sit outside the gate until Dr. Davis is removed permanently. We will not accept the disrespect.”

The group said employees have reached a breaking point.  “We are tired of being nice, tired of being diplomatic,” they added. “We are sick and tired of the blatant disregard. Most of all, we are tired of the constant and intentional frustration of the process by the president. She is the epitome of Ebenezer Scrooge.”

Faculty members said they have spent four years attempting to work with the administration for the sake of accreditation and national progress, but alleged those efforts were repeatedly undermined.

“Every opportunity this president got, she has spat in our face,” the statement continued.  “Twenty days is too long to wait. Nineteen days is too long to wait.”

Protestors insisted they will continue to sit out daily until Dr. Davis is removed from office ahead of her official departure date.

In response to the growing unrest, the BTVI Board of Directors issued a formal statement rejecting claims that Dr. Davis has the authority to delay or deny employee benefits.

According to the Board:

• The BTVI President “does not possess unilateral authority to withhold, delay, or deny disbursement of any employee benefits.”
  
• All compensation-related decisions fall strictly under the Board of Directors, executed in consultation with the Ministry of Finance.
  
• Assessments of professional qualifications are conducted by the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas (NAECOB), not by the President or BTVI’s Executive Leadership.
  

The Board also emphasized that all staff and faculty who are due benefits under established policies will be compensated

The statement underscored the Board’s responsibility to ensure due financial process:  “The Board remains committed to preserving the integrity of the institution’s governance structure, while upholding its fiduciary obligations.”

Although Dr. Davis’ resignation is effective December 20th, union leaders maintain they do not intend to wait. Staff at Tuesday’s sit-out vowed to continue their protest daily until she is immediately removed.

Government officials have not publicly indicated whether an early departure for Dr. Davis is being considered in light of the escalating internal tensions.

BTVI operations, classes, and administrative functions could be impacted if sit-outs continue into the coming weeks.