Six of the seven BAIC workers fired last week, are back on the job this morning after an intervention by Minister of Trade and Industry, Leslie Miller and PM Perry Christie.
Mr. Miller made the announcement at a press conference at his office where he promised Bahamians that dismissals in the public sector would never again be handled in the manner which occurred at BAIC last week.
When Perry Christie was on the campaign trail he promised the Bahamian electorate that under his leadership there would be no victimization due to political affiliations.
Since May 2, the press and the public have been extremely concious of any event that may even suggest such a practice.
Last Friday, BAIC Chairman Sidney Stubbs abruptly fired seven BAIC employees including General Manager Geoffrey Stuart and both the press and the public jumped right on it, saying it smacked of victimization. Some people believe the dismissals were the result of Mr. Stubbs disdain for Mr. Stuart and the political affiliations of the seven persons involed.
Tommy Turnquest, leader of the Opposition FNM party, immediately called for Mr. Stubbs dismissal and the reinstatement of the allegedly victimized employees. Both Mr. Leslie Miller, Minister in charge of BAIC, and PM Christie were called upon to look into the matter.
A quick investigation showed that letters written by Mr. Stubbs to Mr. Stuart, and released to the press, smacked of an uncivilized attitude and leaned towards victimization. At the very least the correspondence proved Mr. Stubbs to be an immature, inexperienced and uncouth manager who has no right to such an important leadership position.
Mr. Miller admitted that he was not satisfied with the way Mr. Stubbs handled the dismissal process but would not comment on whether or not he supported Mr. Stubbs' appointment to the BAIC board.
"The Prime Minister has given his word that there is not going to be any semblance of victimization." Mr. Miller said.
"All of us who know him, know that he is a man of sterling conviction and he will not allow those things to happen." he added.
Mr. Geoffrey Stuart, the General Manager, was the only employee who was not reinstated as he submitted his letter of resignation which was accepted by Mr. Miller.
