Workers' Voice March, 2013

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P A G EV O L U M E 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUEINSIDE THIS ISSUEINSIDE THIS ISSUEIndustrial Relations Deteriorate at BECIndustrial Relations Deteriorate at BECIndustrial Relations Deteriorate at BEC Pg. 2Pg. 2Pg. 2

Believe in Bahamians?Believe in Bahamians?Believe in Bahamians? Pg. 3Pg. 3Pg. 3

Top 6 reasons why people hate their bossesTop 6 reasons why people hate their bossesTop 6 reasons why people hate their bosses Pg. 6Pg. 6Pg. 6

International Womens DayInternational Womens DayInternational Womens Day Pg. 7Pg. 7Pg. 7

Ministers Message, Intl .Womens DayMinisters Message, Intl .Womens DayMinisters Message, Intl .Womens Day Pg. 8Pg. 8Pg. 8

Economic Empowerment for WomenEconomic Empowerment for WomenEconomic Empowerment for Women Pg. 10Pg. 10Pg. 10

BPSU hosts Shop Steward WorkshopBPSU hosts Shop Steward WorkshopBPSU hosts Shop Steward Workshop Pg. 11Pg. 11Pg. 11

Upcoming Child Protection MonthUpcoming Child Protection MonthUpcoming Child Protection Month Pg. 12Pg. 12Pg. 12

Educating Bahamians, a Priority?Educating Bahamians, a Priority?Educating Bahamians, a Priority? Pg. 13Pg. 13Pg. 13

Oh, lets do it again says BHCAWUOh, lets do it again says BHCAWUOh, lets do it again says BHCAWU Pg. 20Pg. 20Pg. 20

AIDS Foundation Outreach MissionAIDS Foundation Outreach MissionAIDS Foundation Outreach Mission Pg. 22Pg. 22Pg. 22

BPSU Officers attend ConferenceBPSU Officers attend ConferenceBPSU Officers attend Conference Pg. 23Pg. 23Pg. 23

Health & Wellness CornerHealth & Wellness CornerHealth & Wellness Corner Pg. 24Pg. 24Pg. 24

BPSU Whist TournamentBPSU Whist TournamentBPSU Whist Tournament Pg. 25Pg. 25Pg. 25

Report Child Abuse FlierReport Child Abuse FlierReport Child Abuse Flier Pg,26Pg,26Pg,26

Useful LinksUseful LinksUseful Links Pg.27Pg.27Pg.27

March, 2013March, 2013March, 2013V o l u m e 3V o l u m e 3V o l u m e 3

National Congress of Trade Unions BahamasNational Congress of Trade Unions BahamasNational Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas

Happy Easter


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Information submitted by Stephano GreenePresident, Bahamas Electrical Workers Union

It is shocking to see the total disregard that Mr.Miller, Executive Chairman of BEC has for GoodIndustrial Relations or adherence to terms and con-ditions of employment as outlined in the BEWU/

BEC Industrial Agreement which must be discussed,consulted on, negotiated and agreed to by the Un-ion, the Corporation and the Government. The Ex-ecutive Chairman must be made to understand thathe cannot unilaterally change or vary the terms andconditions of employment of any employee withoutagreement by the Union.

On Thursday March 7, 2013 the Union was ad-vised that Mr. Miller met with managers at BEC

and instructed them to implement rosteringthroughout the Corporation knowing that the Un-ion and BEC have not come to an agreement on ros-tering within the Corporation; and knowing that weare still at the negotiation table discussing BEC'sproposed rostering.

The BEWU is extremely concerned by the total lackof respect shown by the Executive Chairman, of

BEC, towards the workers of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, and towards workers throughout this entire

country and the region with the actions taken by him to instruct managers of BEC to directly violate the currentIndustrial Agreement between the BEWU/ BEC.

We must advise that this action cannot and will not be accepted and we will not allow Mr. Miller to violate ourfundamental rights as Bahamians, Workers and employees in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

Hon. Leslie MillerExecutive Chairman, BEC

Bahamas Electrical Workers UnionOfficial Press Statement March 11, 2013


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During the privatization of BTC(Bahamas TelecommunicationsCorporation), members of thethen Opposition, Progressive Lib-eral Party (PLP), stood in solidar-ity with trade unionist against theprivatization of BTC to Cable and

Wireless. Today, the PLP is inopposition to the Bahamian work-ers at BEC (Bahamas ElectricityCorporation). The ExecutiveChairman, Mr. Leslie Miller hasbeen contemptuous and disre-spectful to the members of theBEWU (Bahamas ElectricalWorkers Union) and theBEUMU (Bahamas ElectricalUtilities Managerial Union).

Rather than sitting down and rationally discussing the issueswith the Unions, Mr. Miller has used his considerable influ-ence to sour the Bahamian people against these members.Cognizant of the fact that the cost of electricity is a vexingproblem, and many people are out of work and sufferingfinancially, the executive chairman has given them a targetfor their frustration, the workers. Mr. Miller has blamedthe workers for their high electricity bills and has publiclymade disparaging remarks against them during his tirades in

the media. His relentless onslaught has ensured that the un-ions will not receive the same passionate support from thepublic that BCPOU and BCMU enjoyed during the privati-zation of BTC, making them a softer target in the event theunions resist the privatization of BEC.

One would guess it is only politically advantageous to sup-port workers when one is in opposition, but, when one is

Photo from www.bahamasuncensored.com



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the government, the concern and goodwill dissipates. Nevertheless, while politicians have the option of switch-ing their support depending on which side of the isle they sit in Parliament, workers have one option, SOLI-DARITY! The battle that is being waged against the membership of BEWU and BEUMU, in the opinion ofmany trade unionists, is the first step in a well orchestrated plan to privatize all public corporations in the Baha-mas. The Union has not taken a position against the possible privatization of BEC, but takes grave exception tothe vilification of unions in the name of political expedience.

Community activist, Rodney Moncurs placard during the BTC demonstration was prophetic, the difference is,BTC was privatized against the will of Bahamians, but if or when the Government dispenses with BEC, it willnot only do so with the support of the Bahamian people, but it will do so amidst cheers and jubilation thanks toLeslie Miller.


Photo fromwww.bahamasuncensored.com

Community Activist

Rodney Moncur

and the Workers Partydemonstrate against the

privatization of BTC


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ZNS STATEMENT FROM THE PLPPLP and Opposition Leader Perry Christie held a news conference at the House of Assembly on Tuesday19th October on the dismissals at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas. Mr. Christie and theParty condemned the government for the "callous and heartless manner in which (they) treated the longserving staff of the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas".

"This government", said the PLP, "continues to demonstrate an uncanny lack of respect for ordinaryworking Bahamians, a commitment for putting things before the welfare of people, and placing the de-sires and ambitions of special interests above the needs of the many."

Photos and

statement from

www.bahamasuncensored.com

Hon. Perry G. Christie

Leader of the Opposition addresses

the media


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Is your boss a bully, a liar, or simply clueless?

Occasionally, we find interesting research...the following article by Ronald E. Riggio, Ph.D. in Cutting-EdgeLeadership fits into Lighthouse Leaderships observations, so we wanted to share. Research on leadership andmanagement has focused on best practices - what makes a leader exemplary. Unfortunately, many of us work forbosses who fall far short of the "leader" label. In fact, it has been suggested by psychologists Robert Hogan andRobert Kaiser that the majority of bosses are incompetent, primarily due to poor selection practices - the wrongpeople get to be bosses.

Here's 6 reasons why bosses fail.1. Doesn't Treat Employees Like Human Beings. The most hated bosses view employees as a means to an end.

Bad bosses neglect employees' feelings and concerns, and never get to know employees on any sort of per-sonal level.

2. Has Completely Unrealistic Expectations. Some bosses believe that workers should be completely dedicatedto their jobs, working 24/7 for the company, and reaching extraordinary levels of performance. The prob-lem is, however, that the boss does nothing to build employee dedication, and rarely shows appreciation (orappropriate compensation/rewards) for employees' extraordinary efforts.

3. Fails to See His/Her Own Shortcomings. Many upper-level leaders are narcissistic (they didn't get ahead bybeing shrinking violets). The most hated bosses are poor role models and they fail to own up to their ownshortcomings or the mistakes that they make.4. Punishes First and Asks Questions Later. Punitive bosses are the very worst. They fly off the handle andstart pointing figures when something goes wrong, instead of calmly analyzing the issue and fixing it.

5. Is a Bully. Bully bosses pick out specific employees for cruel and unusual punishment and enjoy badgeringand bullying these targeted employees, and justify their bad behavior by saying they are "making an exam-ple" of the individual in an effort to keep everyone in line.

6. Is Dishonest and Inauthentic. A boss who lies, takes credit for others' work, and who "cooks the books" isalways a disaster. However, two-faced bosses can be just as bad. Some of the most hated bosses appear hon-est, forthright, and fair, but will stab you in the back or throw you under the bus at a moment's notice.

You may be fortunate and your boss is a gem. Or maybe you're an aspiring leader and understanding these flawscan help you avoid these fatal pitfalls.Elegant Courage,~Mike and Jodi Reprinted with permission from Lighthouse Leadership www.lighthouseleadership.com
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On Friday 8th March, 2013 the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development and the Bu-reau of Womens Affairs celebrated International Womens Day under the theme, Lets End Gender-Based Violence at Saint Josephs Church Parish Hall.

St. Johns College participates inInternational Womens Day

Theresa Mortimer, 1st Vice President, NCTUBleads discussion


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My fellow Bahamians, today, The Bahamians joins withother member countries of the United Nations in celebrat-

ing International Womens Day, which is held annually onMarch 8 to celebrate womens achievements throughout his-tory and across nations. It is also know as the United Na-tions (UN) Day for Womens Rights and InternationalPeace. The official United Nations theme for the celebra-tion this year is A promise is a promise. Time for action toend violence against women.

The observance of International Womens Day coincideswith the Fifty-Seventh Session of the United Nations Com-mission on the Status on Women, which began on March 4,2013. It was my privilege to lead The Bahamian Delegationto the first week of the session which also focused violenceand indeed the priority theme for the Session is eliminationand prevention of all forms of violence against women andgirls. I had the opportunity to share some of the actionswe have taken and continue to take to address this globalphenomenon which threatens womens survival, economicempowerment and social development.

These include the education of our population in particular young women and girls on healthy relationships and

that no form of violence perpetrated against them is acceptable and the importance of involving men and boys inthe formulation and implementation of policies geared towards the elimination and prevention of violenceagainst women and girls. In this regard, the Bureau of Womens Affairs of my Ministry in partnering with thelocal chapter of the Caribbean Male Action Network (CariMAN) to create a network of men who will becomeadvocates for change in their local communities for the prevention of violence against women.

As a part of our local observance of International Womens day, we will in New Providence convene a Forum on

Message from The Hon. Melanie S. Griffin, M.P.,Minister of Social Services and Community Developmenton the Occasion of International Womens Day

Hon. Melanie S. Griffin, M.P.

Minister of Social Services and Community Development


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gender based violence by bringing together women, men and young people to dialogue and make recommenda-tions in the furtherance of ending gender-based violence in our country . In Grand Bahama, we are supportingthe Join Me On The Bridge event, which is being organized by the community of non-governmental organiza-tions.

I implore all Bahamians to support these activities and the work of my Ministry as we seek to tackle this most

vexing issue. I also implore you to let your voices be heard as we join forces to end gender-based violence.

Minister Griffin signing Peace Bannerat Join Me On the Bridge event

in Grand Bahamain observance of International Women's Day

Lillian Quant-

Forbes

Assistant Director

Dept. of Social

Services

Hon. Melanie Griffin

Minister

Ministry of Social

Services & Community

Development

John Curtis

BPSU

Vice President

Northern Region


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P A G E V O L U M E 3

In her International Womens Day message, the Hon. Melanie Griffinspoke of the action her Ministry take and continue to take to addressthis global phenomenon which threatens womens survival, economic em-powerment and social development. We at Workers Voice applaudher efforts, but encourage her to address some of the inconsistencieswithin the Department of Social Services.

If Minister Griffin is truly serious about the economic empowerment ofwomen, she should seek to address the economic challenges among herstaff. A staff were nearly half are temporary and raising their families onminimum wage. A staff where many have gone for years without promo-tion, and opportunities for advancement seems slow. She would seek towork with her staff to improve the outlook for the profession of socialwork, which remains the lowest paid profession. She would make agreater effort to improve the working conditions of staff especially thoseat the Clarence Bain Building where the air-conditioning system is unreli-

able and the bathrooms routinely malfunctions and management is reluctantto allow its female staff to go home.

Minister Griffin must be encouraged in her efforts to protect women and children, but the rancid conditions ofher staff must be addressed. Since her return, Mrs. Griffin has spoken of the challenges, and the need to addressthe long outstanding issues at Social Services, there have been endless meetings, a plethora of promises, but noresolution. What the staff awaits are the promotions, the appointments to the public service, the overdue careerpath and equitable treatment and opportunity similar to those afforded other sectors within the service. Enoughpromises!

Unemployment and underemployment lies at the core of poverty. For the poor, labour is often the only assetthey can use to improve their well-being. Hence the creation of productive employment opportunities is essen-tial for achieving poverty reduction and sustainable economic and social development. It is crucial to providedecent jobs that both secure income and empowerment for the poor, especially women and younger people Poverty, Social Development DivisionDepartment of economic and Social Affairs

United Nations

Hon. Melanie Griffin

Minister of Social Services & Community

Development


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The Bahamas Public ServicesUnion (BPSU) in conjunctionwith the BPSU Majestic Mar-lins Toastmasters Club#1360933 hosted a shopstewards workshop on Thurs-day, 14th March, 2013.Speakers included Mr. RodneyMoncur, Community Activist

and Mr. Ivan Thompson, Dis-tinguished Toastmaster andDirector of the Technical Ca-det Programme. ToastmastersMerrell Barnett, Glen Mansonand Quentin Munnings alsopresented.

Mr. Moncur reminded shopstewards that as the eyes and ears of the union, they ought to have genuine love and concern for the

welfare of the members. He encouraged stewards to study, so that they would be knowledgeable to theirresponsibilities as well as the contracts and policies pertinent to their workplace as well as the law. Takethe time to listen member concerns, and ask question so that you understand clearly what is being askedand are able to make rational and intelligent decisions. And above all, Mr. Moncur encouraged shopstewards to be committed, not only to the members they pledge to serve, but all workers who may ask orneed their advice or guidance.

Mr. Ivan Thompson is a veteran public officer, and statedthat the key to the success of any organization is leadership,as the organization takes on the spirit of its leader. The waythat individual governs, determines the success or failure ofthat department. As leaders, shop steward need to under-stand the important of communicate clearly, manage re-sources effectively and completing assigned task. To beknowledgeable about the rules that govern us and cognizantof our rights as union representatives and employees. Aboveall he stated, not to allow anyone to discourage you.

TM

Quentin Munnings

Rodney MoncurCommunity Activist


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The Ministry of Social Services and Community Development in conjunction with the National Child Protec-tion Council has designated April as Child Protection Month, this years theme is:

Protecting Children in a Changing World Together, We Can: Guide, Provide, Protect.Throughout the month, the Department in conjunction with the National Child Protection Council have sched-uled a variety of activities to focus the nations attention on the importance of protecting children from childabuse. Some of the activities include:

DATE TIME ACTIVITY LOCATION5th April 10:00a.m.1:00p.m. Fun Day for Child Care Institutions Elizabeth Estates Childrens Home

6th & 7thApril

11:00a.m. Blue Ribbon Saturday and Sunday All Churches throughout the Bahamas

8th April 1:00 p.m. Say No, Then Go School for the Blind,Mackey Street

April 9th &10th

TBA I Gat a Right Seminar Abaco

15th April 10:00 a.m. Annual Child Protection Service Southwest Church of GodCathedral

16th April 6:00p.m.8:00 p.m. Town Meeting onParenting with Dignity

TBA

17th April 10:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m. I Gat a Right Seminar Marios Bowling and Family Entertain-ment Palace, Tonique Williams-Darling

Highway

26th April All Day Tee Shirt Day Various Institutions

25th &26th April

TBA I Gat a Right Seminar Eleuthera

29th &30th April

9:00a.m.2:00p.m. National Conference on Child Abuse andNeglect

Evangelistic Temple


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The following press statements were issued at the pressconference for all major stakeholder at theCollege of the Bahamas (C.O.B.):BPSUCOBUSPMUUTEBMARCH 10, 2013


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COLLEGE OF THE BAHAMAS UNION OF STUDENTS 2ND FLOOR, STUDENT UNION BUILDINGOAKES FIELD CAMPUSP. O. BOX N-4912NASSAU, BAHAMAS242-302-4562 (TEL)242-302-4539 (FAX)[email protected]@cobmail.cob.edu.bswww.cobus242.com

COBUSPress StatementMarch 10, 2013In late December 2012, the Ministry of Finance informed all public corporations and statutory entities that inlight of the current economic situation and associated fiscal burden, they were to submit a financial plan to thegovernment for the implementation of a reduction in their subsidies to them by initial 10 per cent reduction tak-ing effect in the 2013/2014 fiscal year, and an increased reduction to 25 per cent in total by the 2014/2015

fiscal year, including the College of the Bahamas. As a result, COB Senior Administration presented their recom-mendations to the College Council on February 12 th, 2013 to increase student tuition by $25.00 per credit peryear for 2 years, to align contact hours with credit hours with no regard to the implications this may have, to or-chestrate a discontinuation of programmes with national agenda, and to instill a moratorium (suspension) onnew programmes without research and data, among other things.

Since COBUS move to engage college stakeholders, government representatives, & college administration per-sonnel in productive dialogue and educate the Bahamian people concerning these issues as well, the Minister ofState for Finance, the Minister of Financial Services, and the Minister of Education, Science & Technology haveeach articulated several different perspectives on the same matter. We even have a College President who thinks

that it is wonderful that these things are being interpreted differently. Along with an entire Senior Administra-tion who have acquiesced the College Presidents every misguided decision, she feels that we should celebratethese differing perspectives that have caused much confusion among the college community and the general pub-lic. To even exacerbate this further, just recently, the Prime Minister claimed that there was no proposed budgetcuts as far as he was aware and that there was no intention on his administrations part to compromise educa-tion.

In all of this, we recognize that something is truly wrong. From our collective viewpoint, the demand for thebudget reviews and subvention cuts went to all government agencies &public institutions without the Govern-ment fulfilling its promise of a public cost-benefit analysis of the educational system. The research and logisticsnecessary to inform the decision of budget cuts for all government and public agencies has yet to be seen by thepublic as well. The COB President and her Senior Administrations proposal to help the College weather thebudget cut, particularly the tuition hike & other recommendations, were presented to the Colleges supreme deci-sion-making body without research, complete inclusion, or all of the information necessary & suggestions fromentities made. We also know of no measures being put in place to review government bodies specific to theirculture and financials, the COB Budget still has yet to be made public, & the financials of the College have yet tobe scrutinized by all parties on campus.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.cobus242.com/http://www.cobus242.com/http://www.cobus242.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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However, we are receiving answers that highlight confused responses and illusory denotations: we have answersthat address 'budget and not subvention, that do not see Education as essential; that request a 25% subventionreduction to be achieved without any reduction in quality and level of services to the public or any forced re-duction in headcount and should cover direct cash transfer (recurrent and capital) and tax deferments your or-

ganization is now receiving in writing, but say that it means to submit a financial plan on how to be self-sufficient & to cut down on extraneous costs, particularly tightening the expenditure processes of utilities likerenting, travelling, lighting, cell phones, leasing, and others orally; that promise to abide by the principles of ef-

fective leadership, good governance, and a motto like Knowledge, Truth and Integrity but fail to show it; andthat corruptively, vindictively, & dishonestly threaten disciplinary action for the sharing of information whichinvolves stakeholders.

However, while both Government officials and COB Senior Administrators continue to enjoy their 5 & 6 digitsalaries, travel across the world on the money of the taxpayers, and speak around this vexing issue, the approxi-mate 5,000 count student population are still shuddering from the impending tuition hike that would evidentlyseparate many of them from realizing their dream of completing their tertiary degrees, as well as the doubts anduncertainty over the availability of scholarships & other programs for them. Not only that, but over 300+ fac-ulty members are still unsure of how their course loads would be affected, & 400+ staff and middle managers

have yet to hear how it would affect them either.From all that has been said, we as College stakeholders have had to sit back and ask the question: what are we to

you, our leaders? As partakers, wheel-turners, and advocates of higher education across all boarders, why arentwe being given the due respect & consideration we deserve? Why are our voices being met with confused re-sponses, indirect statements, and no replies to letters, calls and emails?

As the stakeholders of COB, Senior Administration should be including & consulting us on all decision-makingmatters, believing and investing in our worth and value, remaining responsible, transparent, and accountable to us& the general public, encouraging healthy debate and discussion, and remaining centered on us as we continue tobe centered on the benefit of the College as a whole. As the leading public tertiary institution in the Caribbean,

our Government & our College Administration should be seeking our informed, professional, and experiencedintelligence & advice on any and all matters of national and local matters as opposed to foreign guidance. As theleader in producing top-quality employers within the Country, our Government should be investing hundreds ofmillions of dollars of subventions in the work done at COB, not cutting it. And as the reason why COB remainsopen, we as students should not be negatively charged for the misguided decisions of others or the visionless per-spectives of outsiders.

We encourage our leaders, both in the Government of the Bahamas and the Senior Administration, to exploreand to garner avenues of cost-savings, revenue generation, and Bahamian-inhabitant investment. We pivot forleadership and governance on the principles of vision, collaboration, inclusion, transparency, accountability,

teamwork, proactivity, human investment and relations, among others. We call for the truth. We petition for thesustainment and eventual increase of the Governments investments in the subvention & scholarships of COB &education across all borders in the country. And we strongly request the freeze on the current tuition until theCollege transitions to University status, the investment and advancement of programmes at COB, & the repairand improvement of infrastructural, academic, systemic, philosophical, athletic, technological, and service prob-lems presently faced at the College of the Bahamas.


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The Union of Tertiary Educators of the Bahamas (UTEB)Stakeholders Press ConferenceMarch 10, 2013TODAY we are here for a very serious reason. We are here to save our college.

And Today we are here in a show of support for and solidarity with the brave studentbody of the College of the Bahamas and the President and Executives of COBUS for the actions that they havetaken to protect the future of higher education from shortsightedness. We applaud them for their bravery andthe nation should be proud of their efforts to bring about some sort of accountability in this institution, butand their efforts to also hold our national leaders accountable, particularly for promises they make, either intruth or in haste. More of this is needed in our country today, and I hope that the actions that these youngpeople have taken today are only the start to a more promising tomorrow. It makes me proud to be able to saythis, as their courage, their seeking of the truth, their courage to stand up for right and to demand their place atthe decision making table is a direct result of the work we do her at the college. and it makes me happy to seethem recognize that standing up for your rights is a responsibility and obligation we as citizens must have.And it is it appears a lifelong challenge

For almost half of a decade, individually, and less so collectively, we - the faculty, staff, middle managers, andstudents at the College of The Bahamas - have expressed our concerns about the slowly deteriorating state ofaffairs at the national institution.

We have expressed our concern at the quality of leadership that has come and gone in the College. We havepublically expressed our concern over the lack of transparency and accountability in matters related to fiscalprudence and responsibility by the leadership at the College; and we have repeatedly expressed our concern overthe inability of the past and present Colleges leadership team to devise and implement a vision plan that willlead us, progressively, to our intended goal as a national institution on the verge of becoming The University of

The Bahamas.

The decision of the Chairman of the College Council and the Ministry of Education to invest in a UniversityTransition Team that is separate and apart from the President and her senior administrative team to create andarticulate the vision and mission of the University of the Bahamas suggests, in some ways, the lack of confi-dence that the two bodies have in this present administrations abilities as well.

For the most part, the style of leadership at the institution has been more about control of individuals thanabout service to individuals; it has been more about exerting power over individuals, as opposed to empower-ment of individuals; the style of management has been more about manipulating individuals than about inspir-

ing individuals; the style of leadership has been more about oppressing as opposed to uplifting, and as a result,the overall growth and progress of the publically funded institution has primarily been stagnated.

More direct and to the point, as a result of the crisis in leadership, the College of The Bahamas itself is in cri-sis. This crisis is made even more noticeable as a result of the Governments proposed plans to cut its subven-tion to the College and President and Senior administrators lack of foresight in anticipating and planning forsuch an occurrencedespite past indicators that such an event was looming.On February 8th, the President of the College, along with her senior team, held a special call meeting with Un-


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ion representatives to discuss the present fiscal crisis, asking for their suggestive input. At the time, the Unionrepresentatives suggested some cost cutting measures that the President could consider, but at the same time, theymade it clear to the President that they could not make any informed decisions without current financial infor-mation, particularly spending habits and trends. On February 12th, when the President met with the studentbody, the President of the student Union also made the same request of the College President.Further to our meetings with the President on February 8 th and 12th, the College of the Bahamas Union of Stu-dents (COBUS), the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB), the Public Managers Union

(PMU), and the Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) jointly sent a letter signed by all to the President of theCollege making a formal request for the following documents:

1. The College's budgets for the last three years (2010-2011, 2011-2012 & 2012-2013)2. Details of revenue and expenditures for the last three years (the same as above)3. The proposed College of The Bahamas Budget for 2013-20144. Projected revenue and expenditures for the next three years (2013-2014, 2014-2015 & 2015-

2016)5. The key development priorities, including executive appointments, for the College's

advancement for the academic years 2013-2014, 2014-2015 & 2015-2016

In light of the proposed subvention cuts and a request by the President for all stakeholders to become more ac-tive participants in the deciding the future direction of the College, we noted in our letter to the President thatwe would not be able to realistically make helpful, informed decisions and suggestions and take seriously the col-lective need for fiscal prudence without this information being made available to us.

But once again, other than the staged gestures of interest on the 8 th and 12th of February, this President or heradministrative team have shown no interest in the kind of genuine cooperation with stakeholders that would war-rant them being truthful, open, and transparent. Up to now, neither the President nor any member of her seniorteam has made any of these basic financial documents available to us, despite these being documents whichshould be public information in the first place.

We have since sent a letter to the Chairman of The College Council expressing our concern over the lack of lead-ership, the lack of transparency and accountability within the College, and the lack of visionary guidance whichcharacterizes the present leadership at the College. Collectively, we and many in our units, recognize that thePresident and the senior administrators who presently make up her team are not prepared to do what is truthful,expedient, necessary, and fiscally responsible to lead the College into the next phase of its evolution to The Uni-versity of the Bahamas, and we have expressed our lack of confidence in the this administration to the CollegeCouncil.

In the interest of protecting the future of the College, we requested a meeting with the College Council to dis-

cuss these matters and the seeming lack of confusion over the governments planed cuts to the College. We aresadly disappointed in the Council Chairman as he has not seen fit to respond in one way or the other - to this

urgent request made by the constituents whose interests we were made believe he is here to serve and protect.


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The Bahamas Public Services UnionStakeholders Press ConferenceMarch 10, 2013The Bahamas Public Services Union would also like to respectfully congratulate the young men and women ofthe College of the Bahamas, particularly the leaders of the student Union, for their stance against the Govern-

ments efforts without stakeholder consultation - to cut funding to the public institution. As a result of youractions, the nation is now beginning to understand the significance and importance of higher education andbright minds such as yours to the evolution of our society into one that is built upon the principles of truth,honesty, integrity, transparency, and accountability

For those who think this budgetary crisis and the proposed subvention cuts by Government is the cause of thepresent crisis that has galvanized the stakeholders of the college community, I would want to say that this currentfinancial crisis is, unfortunately, just the latest in a string of arbitrary crippling, harmful administrative practicesand irresponsible leadership decisions that has destroyed the moral of most working at and attending the Collegeof the Bahamas.

Not only is the moral of faculty, staff, and middle managers low because to date all three are without signedAgreements with the College, it is also low because they are forced to watch this college administration as it reck-lessly squanders and abuse college resources financial and otherwiseon administrative appointments and ac-quisitions that obviously have not improved or substantively advanced operating systems within the institution.Staff major concerns are:

COB did not offer BPSU a counter proposal in order to start negotiations.

The Industrial Agreement expired in 2009 and we have been in negotiations for the last three years. In theongoing negotiations they have only completed fifty-one (51) Articles. The staff is seeing their benefits dis-

appear.

COB financial proposal is unacceptable to staff.

The recent Promotions exercise completed was a fiasco, when they were finally done more than 50% of thestaff who were recommended did not get promoted

A comprehensive salary review exercise must be done and implemented.

In the midst of the confusion that is being created here at the institution, staff, students, faculty, and middle

managers feel as if they have been left to fend for themselves. With the College Council and College administra-tion silent on the mounting issues, many are wondering if leadership is on vacation or in hiding.


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The Public Managers Union (PMU)Stakeholders Press ConferenceMarch 10, 2013The Public Managers Union too wishes to commend COBUS for recognizing the danger that the Governments pro-posed subvention cuts to the College of the Bahamas would have on the immediate future of higher education in the

Bahamas. Like the Presidents of COBUS and UTEB, the PMU find the current state of affairs confusing.

The Public Managers Union is disappointed that the Council Chairman has seemingly disregarded the request of thiscollective body to meet and discuss the future of COB.

As a part of the College community, we were initially invited by the President (on February 8 th, 2013) to assist in help-ing to dig the institution out of a financial bind and thought the Presidents gesture was sincere.

In that same meeting the President suggested that the last audited statement for the College was completed in 2010.We asked for a copy of this budget to be forwarded to the stakeholders present at the meeting, but this request remainsoutstanding.

Lack of Audited Financial StatementsWe find it troubling that the President would seek our assistance in the resource management of the institution withoutproviding us with the necessary data to allow for informed discussions. We also find it troublingon so many levels -that the College only have audited financial statements prior to 2010.

That leaves us to wonder how this administration will be able to make informed decision on the management of theCollege based on financial information that is three years out of date. It is inconceivable that this administration cansubmit accurate and beneficial projections for the Government 2013/14 Budget if it does not know its current spendingand revenue trends; likewise, the College will not be able to rightfully determine where prudent measures can be taken in the best interest of cost savings and efficiency - if it only has audited financial statements up to 2010. It is almost im-

possible for the college to operate and/or plan without current financial data. If this is in fact true, we would like toknow how long has this been going on?

Lack of Vice-President of FinanceIt is also troubling to us that, at such a time, there is no current Vice-President of Finance at the institution to overseethe financial management of the College, leaving the President now with sole responsibility for the Finance Departmentof the institution. We ask the College Council to move quickly to resolve this matter, as it not only appears to be a con-flict of interest for the President, but without the proper systems of checks and balances, it could leave the College opento compromise and future financial misgivings.

The President and her senior administration have a responsibility to formulate the vision and mission of the Collegethrough the implementation of effective and efficient management and administration of Colleges resources. The failureof this administration to be current with its budgets, have current details of its revenue and expenditures and projectedrevenue and expenditures for the next three years, and more importantly, be able to articulate clearly key developmentalpriorities for the Colleges advancement over the next three years represents a failure by this administration to carry outits duties and responsibilities to the College students, faculty, staff, middle managers, and the general Bahamian public.

Silence from College CouncilTo date, there has been no word from the College Council on this or any matter at the College.


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At times the air waves explodedwith accusations and innuendoes,with the various teams dominat-ing the talk shows. There werealso heated exchanges betweensupporters of the various groups,with the general public weighingin, and the question whichloomed was, can she do it again?Could Nicole Martin hold on toher presidency given the massivedownsizing and cutbacks through-out the industry. To add to herwoes, at the height of the cam-paign, 140 workers were laid offfrom the Whyndham Hotel.There was no doubt that hotelierswere hard hit by the economic cri-sis leaving many to wonder if thevivacious young president couldsurmount such challenges, but onthe 26th February, 2013, themembers of the Bahamas HotelCatering and Allied Workers Un-ion (BHCAWU) returned NicoleMartin and the entire A Team tooffice.


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On March 2, 2013, The AIDS

Foundation of the Bahamas assisted

the Red Cross by providing a booth

at the Annual Red Cross Fair. De-

spite the inclement weather, volun-

teers of the Foundation were as-

sisted by the National Congress of

Trade Unions of the Bahamas(NCTUB) in their efforts to stop

the spread of AIDS by providing

information on testing, treatment

and prevention. The Foundations

Mission is zero AIDS related

deaths.

At the fair, pamphlets, condoms and other parapher-nalia with the branding Condomize were distribute.

A wide cross-section of persons visited the booth to

ask questions, receive handouts and collect condoms

so the foundation accomplished the first step in its

mission. A group of young persons from the Red

Cross also provided instructions on customized con-

doms and was very successful in attracting their peers

to the booth.This was the first Partnership between the NCTUB

and the AIDS Foundation in support of the ILO

(International Labour Organization) initiative to pro-

mote testing and prevention measured to avoid dis-

crimination in the workplace.

Melony Munnings,

Treasurer, NCTUB

along with volunteers,

AIDS Foundation

Young volunteers spread the customize message


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Three officers from the Bahamas Public Services Union attendedthe Caribbean Public Service Associations (CPSA) Sub-RegionalConference (SUBRAC/SUBWOC), held in St. Georges, GrenadaMarch 8th10th, 2013.

The opening day of the Conference coincided with InternationalWomens Day, and at the end of the days sessions, the GrenadaPublic Workers Union hosted a panel discussion on combatingviolence in women and children. At the end of the evening, acandlelight ceremony was held in commemoration of all of thevictims of domestic and other violence.

The sub-regional conference was attended by members of otherCaribbean Public Sector Unions . Some of the areas discussed

included: Collective bargaining - new/innovative approaches Privatization of water/energy resources by governments Public sector budget cuts.. doing more with less Union participation (or lack of same) in country meetings

with regional and international financial institutions (IMF/World Bank etc.).

L-R , Northern Region Branch Chairperson Zeneth Rolle, Asst. Secretary General Verna Bonaby and

Trustee/Young Workers Chairperson Cindira Bain at SUBRAC Conference in Grenada

Submitted by Verna Bonaby, Asst. Secretary General BPS


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The World Health Organization definesHEALTH as a state of complete physical,

mental and social well-being and notmerely the absence of disease or infirmity.HEALTHY LIVING is defined as thesteps, actions and strategies one puts inplace to achieve optimum health. HealthyLiving is about taking responsibility andmaking smart health choices for today andfor the future. Eating right, getting physi-cally fit, emotional wellness, spiritual well-

ness and prevention are all part of creatinga healthy lifestyle.

The month of March focuses on KidneyHealthAwareness.

Our kidneys do the important work offiltering waste and excess fluids from the

body. Diabetes, high blood pressure, heartdisease, smoking, obesity and high choles-terol can increase our risk of kidney disease

and kidney failure a potentially fatal con-dition

We can decrease our risk of kidney diseaseand kidney failure by:

Carefully managing diabetes: Diabetesis the most common cause of chronic kid-

ney disease. Uncontrolled high blood suglevels can damage kidneys.

Controlling hypertension: Hyperte

sion can cause chronic kidney disease. Ohigh blood pressure can result frochronic kidney disease. Either way, tcloser blood pressure is to its target rangthe better for kidneys. Hypertension damages the kidneys' small blood vessels, the kidneys don't work as effectively.

Daily physical activity, heart-healteating, and losing weight if needed all c

help control blood pressure. Medicatiomay be needed, too.

Avoiding use of large amounts pain relievers:Kidney damage may caused by long-term use of various pain rlievers in large amounts. They include asprin; acetaminophen (Tylenol, others); ibprofen (Advil, Motrin, others); naprox(Aleve, Naprosyn, others) and others.

Eating for kidney health: Limiting tamount of sodium and potassium in tdiet may help maintain kidney healththis means a low salt diet.

Not smoking: Smoking makes kidndisease worse.

Know your Health Status!

To receive this and other health relatedinformation as a handout for your mem-

bers, please email request to [email protected].


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Child Abuse Hotline(242) 322-2763

Children ProtectionDivision

(Department of Social Services)(242) 397-2500

Police919

911(242) 322-4444

Crisis Centre(242) 328 - 0922
http://www.google.bs/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=blue+ribbon&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=qDCz9ZxVCa-PPM&tbnid=GrEqunsFa08hQM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwebclipart.about.com%2Fod%2Fspecialtyclipart%2Fqt%2FBlue-Awareness-Ribbon.htm&ei=hhxBUazlD4j28gTgh4GoCQ&bvm=bvhttp://www.google.bs/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=blue+ribbon&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=qDCz9ZxVCa-PPM&tbnid=GrEqunsFa08hQM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwebclipart.about.com%2Fod%2Fspecialtyclipart%2Fqt%2FBlue-Awareness-Ribbon.htm&ei=hhxBUazlD4j28gTgh4GoCQ&bvm=bv


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ILO Turin Centrehttp://www.itcilo.org/en

International Trade Union Confederation

http://www.ituc-csi.org/rio-20.html

the ILO Workers' Relations Bureau

http://www.ilo.org/actrav/lang--en/index.htm

Decent Work Country Programme, The Bahamashttp://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/program/dwcp/download/bahamas.pdf

ILO Caribbean

http://www.ilo.org/ipec/Regionsandcountries/LatinAmericaandCaribbean/lang--en/index.htm

Trade Union History, Bahamas

www.nctu-bahamas.orgwww.sirrandolfawkes.com
http://www.itcilo.org/enhttp://www.ituc-csi.org/rio-20.htmlhttp://www.ilo.org/actrav/lang--en/index.htmhttp://www.ilo.org/actrav/lang--en/index.htmhttp://www.ituc-csi.org/rio-20.htmlhttp://www.itcilo.org/en


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Dear Friends,We are very happy to have completed another edition of the newsletter for the NationalCongress of Trade Unions of the Bahamas and we would like to thank each and every oneof you who took the time to make a contribution.The name of the newsletter is The Workers Voice which was a name that Sir RandolFawkes gave to the Bahamas Federation of Labor's newspaper in 1959. This current news-letter gives to you, the worker, a voicea means to communicate with your fellow brothersand sisters in the union. Additionally, through the Workers Voice, you now have the oppor-tunity of profiling your union and the work that you are doing.It is our aim to introduce to you all of the affiliate unions attached to the NCTUB. In eachedition, we also will bring you content that is historical in nature. History informs us of thestruggles that our forbears underwent and the debt of appreciation that we owe them forthe sacrifices made. The newsletter will also enable us to document the history that is beingmade today so that future generations will be inspired by our efforts .Finally would you like to be a part of this communicationsventure? Do you have a story to tell, an opinion to share? Doyou have English, photography, graphic arts design skills? Ifyour answer isYes! then we would appreciate hearing fromyou.With thanks,Sheleta CollieChairman, NCTUB Public Relations Committee

National Congress of TradUnions of The BahamasCarter St. & Horseshoe DrivePh: (242) 356-7459Fax: (242) 356-7457E-mail: [email protected]: nctu-bahamas.org

Documents

Workers' Voice March, 2013