TUC President: Govt. suing itself “Laughable”

TUC President:  Govt. suing itself “Laughable”

Lucayan Renewal Holding files motion in Supreme Court

NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Trade Union Congress (TUC) president, Obie Ferguson said yesterday that its “laughable” that Lucayan Renewal Holdings (LRH) Ltd, the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed by government to acquire the assets of the Grand Lucayan Resort is suing government after ongoing issues with the Bahamas Hotel Managerial Association Union was referred to the industrial Tribunal.

“They are questioning the validity of the Industrial Tribunal and they want to come to you and want to convince you that it’s a place to go to have matters resolved ..but the government is suing the government, I mean it’s just unbelievable.

LRH filed an affidavit in support of originating notice of a motion for constitution relief in the Supreme Court on July 31st 2019 listing the Minister of Labor, The Vice President of the Industrial Tribunal and the Attorney General as defendants.

 

Both parties have been at an impasse following failed negotiations over voluntary separation packages for Grand Lucayan employees. Government purchased the resort from Hutchinson Whampoa last August for $65million dollars and was expected to payout employees as well.

Earlier this year LRH withdrew from proceedings with the Industrial Tribunal. Jacey Whitaker, an attorney that represents LRH, informed the court that the tribunal as a statutory board lacks jurisdiction to deal with this particular matter.

Whitaker stated that they are removing themselves from the process and will not attend the proceeding adding that that they have gone beyond what is required to help the union.

Ferguson said contends the tribunal has full jurisdiction to hear and decide on matters, and to award damages in industrial agreements.

 

 

 

About Genea Noel

Genea Noel is the news director and weeknight TV news anchor at Eyewitness News. She began working at Eyewitness News in 2018 as the newsroom editor and was subsequently promoted during her tenure. As a household name who graces the screens of thousands of Bahamian homes each night, Genea has racked up an impressive five Bahamas Press Club awards, including “The Cyril Stevenson Award for Outstanding Political Journalism” (2020), “Best Studio Live Producer” (2020) and “Best Newscast” (2018).