BY: Latonya Roberts
Journal Staff Writer
The Chief Labour Consultant of the Labour Resource Unit Bernard Evans said
Belinda Wilson, President of Bahamas National Trade Union Congress was invited
to a meeting to discuss the Ministry of Labour and Public service’s implementation
of bi-weekly payments for public servants, however she never showed.
“There are three congresses in this country, as you may be aware. One is led by
Obie Ferguson, the other is led by Duane Woods, and one is led by Belinda
Wilson. Belinda Wilson could not make yesterday’s presentation.”
Mr. Evans said although Wilson did not make the meeting, presenters are willing
to schedule a private meeting with her, affording her the same opportunity as
everyone else.
“There was a presentation set for the earlier week prior to, but there were some
conflicting schedules with the training room at the customs, so we were unable to
facilitate that meeting,” he said.
He added that the presenters would make themselves available whenever all parties
are ready. “I know it’s the festive season, and perhaps things are a little bit tight,
but they’re able to meet with them at any time when they’re available to do so.”
Ms. Wilson made comments earlier in the week, urging civil servants to deny and
ignore the Ministry of Labour’s efforts to receive approval of receiving bi-weekly
payments.
She said, “I’ve been reliably informed that they have intended to hold a meeting
this week, without me, or Kingsley Feguson (President Bahamas Public Service
Union) present. I have also been reliably informed that they are trying to
circumvent the information being placed on the ‘My Profile’ portal, but instead
they will be sending out hard copy forms. Well, I am saying to you, refuse and
ignore, do not fill out the hard copy forms.”
Although unclear when the bi-weekly payments will come into effect, the Ministry
of Labour and Public Service hopes that the new pay period cycle will be
implemented sometime in the earlier part of the New Year, with hopes of limiting
the stress of living paycheck to paycheck.
