Posted By: Observer On: 11/4/2009

Title: Latest developments

To all you readers looking for an update in the Solomons Mines saga, see Chester Robards' latest follow-up in today's Tribune, Business section. Feel free to comment thereon.

Posted By: Jessica Robertson, Online Editor On: 11/4/2009

Title: Updated story

http://www.tribune242.com/business/11042009_solomonsmines_business_page1-2

Posted By: Tired of it all On: 11/4/2009

Title: How long will this show last

Ok, so I have ti on good authority that staff, both current and displaced, are now being paid their balances in full. I would feel good to myself if it was because of this forum that management of Solomons Mines made an effort to "do the right thing". Of course the million dollar question is....."HOW LONG WILL IT LAST???" Or will we be back at this again six months from now? And what of the unfortunate Lady M. Does anyone have an update on her position or lack of at this time. I firmly believe she is going to be asked tp part ways with the company. Sounds like they would all feel so much better seeing the back of her. Hope she gets paid off in full herself.

Posted By: Cool Head On: 10/31/2009

Title: Ponderng the elements

I'm really feeling this now. This story has gone from outrageous, to pitiful to sad and now its just downright silly. Don't get me wrong what's happening to those poor workers is no joke, but to think of the working conditions, the personalities at the top and the management style of the boss, I can't help but find the whole thing so absolutely riduculous. How is it these people ever got into business and lasted this long is beyond me.

Posted By: Rose On: 10/31/2009

Title: Back in the Day

Now this is the stuff good Soap Operas are made of. Remember 'The Fergusons' of Farm Road?" It was a Bahamian Soap opera on ZNS Radio a long time ago. Local producers may want to consider another one "The Finlaysons' of Bay Street", just change the name to protect the "Not so innocent".

Posted By: Fly on the wall On: 10/31/2009

Title: A typical conversation with Righty

Staff: "Exucse me Mrs. Righty, can I PLEASE have $2 from the $8,000 you owe me? Righty: "WHAT? YOU ASKIN ME TA BORRA FROM WHAT I OWE YOU? YOUR HEAD RIGHT?" Staff: "but but I just don't want BEC to turn off my lights." Righty: "WELL YA SHOULDA TAWT ABOUT DAT BEFORE YA CAME TA WORK HERE, YALL KNOW YA NEED TER SELL SOME A DIS CRAP IF YA WANNA GET PAID" Staff: "I know Mrs. Righty but I just thought----" Righty: "TAWT? I DON'T PAY YOU TER TINK, NOW GET OUTTA MY OFFICE BEFORE I DEMOTE YA FER ASKING" Staff: "well ok but.. can I ask Mr. Finlayson---" Righty: "MR. FINLAYSON? YOU WANNA GO ASK MY BOSS AFTER I DONE SAY NO?" I DONE TELL YALL BABY TIGER MONEY IS FER HIM AND HE BOYZ AND HE FAMLEE DEM. I RUN TINGS ROUND HERE AND YOU ARE FIRED" Staff: "Fired? But why?" Righty: "FER TINKIN A GERN BEHIND MY BACK TO DER BOSS" Staff leaves, Mrs. Bay Tiger comes in, looks at Righty & chuckles. Mrs. Baby Tiger: "GOOD JOB RIGHTY, THERE ARE 5 MORE JUST LIKE HER WAITIN OUTSIDE". Righty: "DAS AWRITE SEN EM ALL IN, I ON A ROLL TERDAY, I GER FIRE ERRYBODY WHO ASKING ME FER MONEY, LIKE I IS SOME BANK".

Posted By: A. Hanna On: 10/31/2009

Title: Even with the silver lining the cloud still looms....

So what?! Do they intend to strongarm the staff to accept lower lump payments than they are owed because they have held their pay hostage for so long? That way they can reason that you better take SOMETHING now or hold on another six months to POSSIBLY get what is truly owed LATER?! Wow, I didnt know that is how responsible business is conducted in this country nowadays! I guess all of the graduating seniors from our schools better look to open their own businesses then - seems like the only way to live the high life!

Posted By: P. Collins On: 10/31/2009

Title: What?!? No Picewell?!?!

The only thing missing from this train wreck is Picewell Forbes tap dancing in front of Solomons Mines shouting, "God is good PLPs! Mark is a free man PLPs!!" (until someone taps him on the shoulder and reminds him that the NIB case was never heard in court because the warrant was never served)!!! LMAO!! But on a serious note, why hasnt the story of Lady M (such a nice lady I might add) not seen the light of day yet? That is victimization plain and simple...how do you get demoted to store clerk for merely asking for assistance for a fellow coworker? Then have this travesty co-sign by the head honcho!! And they wonder why they can't catch a break....the days of their empire on Bay St are numbered - you can't do wrong to people and expect good things in return - and thats my 5 cents!!

Posted By: EyeKnowWhatsUp On: 10/31/2009

Title: To: Village Road and H.Ferguson

WARNING - MAY CAUSE SARCASM OVERDOSE: What!?!?!? You REALLY think that the staff NEED the HR Mgr/Payroll Officer OR the Financial Controller to tally what hundreds of staff (past and present) are owed?!?! Surely, a warp speed fast tracked store manager with a sense of fairplay for her fellow man and someone who buys clothes for the company can properly calculate (to the penny I might add) what is owed to the staff!! What is wrong with y'all?!?! Surely Righty wouldn't crook anybody (wink, wink) and Lady Baby Tiger comes with a wealth of bill paying experience. Beeeeeeep.....Flatlined: DEATH BY SARCASM! (Just don't call Torino Lightbourne - I dont have $25milliion stashed away for my family to pay him and one of those yellow shirted liars....oops, I meant Lawyers)

Posted By: Cable Beach On: 10/31/2009

Title: GOOD ONE

That's a good one. Solomons' Mines is the SOAP OPERA of BAY STREET. I can hardly wait to see what happens next. What about Lady M? Hello Chester, that should make for interesting reading.

Posted By: Mr. Wallace On: 10/31/2009

Title: LUDICROUS

LUDICROUS, LUDICROUS, ABSOLUTELY LUDICROUS!!!! This whole thing gets more hilarious each time I check this site. The Finlaysons are such a joke.

Posted By: Village Road On: 10/31/2009

Title: So, how much do I Owe you again?

Is this a joke? If not I smell more than just a rat. I agree management knows full well what is owed to staff. Who ever heard of the boss asking you what they owe you and what if your calculations are greater than theirs, who do you think wins? This whole approach is designed to cheat the workers so that the owners can hoard as much as they can for themselves. Heaven help those workers who haven't been keeping count. History shows too that Mrs. Baby Tiger ain't no saint here either, she is just as caught up in this whole mess as the hubby and his head honchos.

Posted By: H. Ferguson On: 10/31/2009

Title: Crooks at the Gate

Say it aint so!!! and just when I thought I was finally gonna get what they owe me? Do you think this is just another smoke screen to make it look like they're doin somethin? What a disappointment. Also lets not forget the HR Mgr/Payroll Mistress once shared an office with righty was promoted from desk clerk literally overnight to this top post on right's recommendations. Righty calls the shots so whatever righty says goes. The HR/Payroll Mistress as well as the Indian Financial Controller have absolutely no say in this exercise. I agree also that this is just another scheme to rob the staff what they are rightly due.

Posted By: D.Collie On: 10/30/2009

Title: To: Tired Of It All

Yes indeed....and it goes a step further, even the released staff are being contacted now to undergo the same "salary review" before the cheques can be issued. I agree wholeheartedly that they damn well know what is owed to the staff (current and released), and I can only assume that this is a yet another pressure tactic designed to crook these people once again. Think about it, if the Right Hand is there to "negotiate" your settlement and you are still employed there - do you think those staff are going to have the nerve to quibble about a few hundred dollars being shaved accidentally from their settlement when Righty says they owe you a lump sum cheque for $2,500 that you can take home right at THAT moment to play catch up on your PAST DUE bills (when you yourself know the figure is more like $3,000 - but to fight that battle could cost you your job or result in another 4/5/6 month wait-and-see game). Why isn't the HR Manager/Payroll Officer engaged in these settlements? Isnt she the one who would normally settle all payroll issues? I smell "mafia style" negotiating in the air....

Posted By: Tired of it all On: 10/30/2009

Title: Total Disgrace

To comment on D. Collie's inside information "line staff have been meeting with The Right Hand and Baby Tiger's wife to review what is owed" that is such a load of bull it is'nt funny. To even think that Mrs. Baby Tiger and The Right Hand have to review what they owe staff just speaks volumes of their underhanded and undesirable way of operating. That's what they have an accountant for. Plus they are the ones who have not being paying people and they damn well know how much they owe. To think they would have the audacity to meet with staff to "review" what they are owed and then come to an agreement on the figures is downright insulting. This is the kind of crap that passes for Management at Solomon Mines...

Posted By: Liz On: 10/30/2009

Title: Follow up in the making?

Despite the "glimmer of hope" as suggested, I will have to see to believe. Will these folks ever get all they are owed or some little bit with an IOU for the difference? and what about the severance payouts? Dito by the way on the suggestion of a follow up on the demotion of lady M which was so absurd. I am very interested in hearing her side of this saga. C'mon Tribune, don't keep us waiting on this one.

Posted By: R. Major On: 10/30/2009

Title: FINALLY

So maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel, but let's not be too hasty in this glimmer of hope but instead wait to see what happens. As for lady M, what happens here? I echo D. Collie's sentiments suggesting a follow-up on this one. To be penalized so severely for helping a colleague is totally unheard of. If Mark Finlayson allows such a move to be carried out he is even less of a man than meets the eye and to hide behing the skirts of his top manager plunges him to the bottom of the pit.

Posted By: D. Collie On: 10/29/2009

Title: UPDATE!!

Based on my sources on the inside, line staff have been meeting with The Right Hand and Baby Tiger's wife to review what is owed. Once there is an agreement with the figures outstanding, those funds are being direct deposited to their accounts. In addition, the current staff are also reporting the payment of their outstanding NIB contributions. Now before anyone rejoices, although some progress is better than none at all, there STILL has been no headway regarding the settlement of the severance packages of the released workers as yet!! You will do well to remember that these were the ones who were affected in the first instance with delinquent payments now flirting with almost SEVEN (7) MONTHS in ARREARS, but were brave enough to take their fight public via the Tribune. However, one can only wonder if they are once again being victimized and sent to the back of the pay line because they chose (or were forced to vent publicly because of mounting debts). What is going to happen with their outstanding funds? Will they ever be paid? However, one can only wonder if the Tribune's dogged approach to the story coupled with the mounting legal issues (e.g., NIB/delinquent payments) facing the Finlaysons and the recent leadership race of the Yellow shirt party turned the tide and Daddy decided to save what was left of their reputation in the Bay Street arena?!?!? One may never know....but for now, the battle is half way won. Good work Tribune writers; a lil gum beating and non-violent internet protesting may have worked this time! LOL! P.S. Lady M is indeed no longer attached to the Admin office as Baby Tiger's Executive Assistant anymore....odd, especially seeing that someone leaked some time back that she was facing demotion/potential firing for TRYING to do the decent thing and save a fellow coworker from eviction by asking her BOSS - Baby Tiger - for a few dollars of already EARNED pay! This may in fact be the Tribune's next big story in that place!

Posted By: Philosopher On: 10/29/2009

Title: Tis the Season to Have MORALS

Where have all the MORALS gone for certainly they seem to have evaded this once fine establishment on Bay Street? Will they evere return? I highly doubt it, unless of course you remove those from the helm, replace it with PRINCIPLES and hire an abundance of RESPECT, VALUES and DIGNITY. Otherwise profitability will remain a thing of the past and financial ruin will surely become commonplace.

Posted By: Winton Observer On: 10/29/2009

Title: NO HEROES OR GUARDIANS

Well said D. Sweeting, what a catastrophe. There are no Guardians or Heroes and as Observer pointed out tis not an election year either. That said, don't expect any miracles, justice or even a curious inquiry from anyone in authority. Christmas is just around the corner and these guys will be knocking on Mark Finlaysons' door for their usual discount, can't afford to jeopardise that now can they, especially in this economy.

Posted By: D. Sweeting On: 10/29/2009

Title: NO HEROES

The obvious WINNERS here are the Finlaysons' and their questionable management team. The obvious LOSERS are the employees of the company and the absent, red faced, nowhere to be found REFEREES and appointed "guardians of the people" are Minister Foulkes and his inept office and officers. Frankly I'm not in the least surprised, any other outcome and I would have been fascinated.

Posted By: Observer On: 10/28/2009

Title: Still no relief

It seems this article is dying a natural death as we all expected it would, and so are the employees of Solomons' Mines. The fact that Dion Foulkes and Harcourt Brown have sat on their rumps throughout this whole saga and continue to do so is a disgrace beyond words. What a sad state of affairs. Its a pity this is not an election year as I'm certain Minsiter Foulkes, the PM and perhaps even members of the Opposition would have all been running to the forefront to try to save the "little man" from such abuse. Guess we'll all have to wait for 2012.

Posted By: Tired of it all On: 10/28/2009

Title: To anyone in authority reading this...

Can anyone say what steps have been taken to investigate the claims of this company's workers and what has been the result of such investigation. And if any wrongdoing has been unearthered what are the relevant authorities doing to correct them. That would be the real story the Tribune needs to report here. Its ok for us to offer our comments and such but the real story is what happens next. We need to focus on the authorities who are repsonsible for looking out for the welfare of employees and for taking offending employers to task. We all know about the Finlaysons and their business practices and their treatment of staff, BUT WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT. HONOURABLE MINISTER DIONE FOULKES AND DIRECTOR HARCOURT BROWN POSITION ON THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE KNOWN!!! Messers Chester Robards and Jessica Robertson, here is your real story!!

Posted By: Village Raod On: 10/27/2009

Title: To Chester Robards and Jessica Robertson

Will there be a follow-up on the demotion of Mark Finlayson's Personal Assistant to determine if the comments posted below were indeed true? I called Solomons' Mines both yesterday and today and was told she no longer works out of that office. If this is true and the circumstances related thereto are accurate, then certainly this story deserves some attention. Can either of you shed some light on this?

Posted By: Curious On: 10/27/2009

Title: Disclaimers

What about a Disclaimer? Newspapers, radio stations, televions and other media houses all over the world post Disclaimers on articles and stories to protect themselves, even here in the Bahamas this is done. Cannot the Tribune do the same thing?

Posted By: Still Disgusted On: 10/27/2009

Title: To Erasmus Folly

If you were to review my earlier comments you will see that there was no venting of anger against the Tribune. I was merely pointing out to Joe Blow that the tabloid had deleted valuable input which would have addressed his commentary. For the record and just in case you were not aware, another article on the plight of the staff at Solomons' Mines which ran October 6th was deleted along with some 89 comments, in addition to another 20+ comments from this present article on which we now post. While I agree that there were some comments from the previous article which had crossed the line, to delete the entire story and the remaining comments from my view was certainly not necessary as it only served to discourage persons from participating in the dialogue and protected the Finlaysons even further by hiding their unscrupulous behavior. It is evident that Dion Foulkes and the Director of Labour have failed and continue to fail the workers by their continued inaction and Joe Blow's suggestion of a protest is not as easy as it seems as victimization will certainly follow in its wake, who then will protect or speak up for them when they find themselves out on the street? It is much easier for someone who has a job to suggest a protest, but unless you have sufficient insight to the overall picture, a protest will only serve to intensify an already tense situation.

Posted By: EAR ON THE GROUND On: 10/27/2009

Title: AGAIN I AGREE

I previously agreed with Erasmus Folly in past correspondence and I do so again. The Tribune and their correspondents have done a great job in exposing this story and we must focus on the Finlaysons and their ludicrous right and left hands. Eventually the so-called authorities have to act. I personally would have expected more from our government and hope the PM is up to date with situation. He always says ''Let the chips fall where they may'' but how long, how long does it take. Forget friendships, politically this could be the proverbial hot potato.

Posted By: Erasmus Folly On: 10/27/2009

Title: Disgusted

@Disgusted Focus your anger on where it is due - Solomon's Mines owners, not the Tribune. The Tribune is doing its best to bring the story to light. It wouldn't help anyone if the dishonourable Finlayson's turned around and sued the Tribune, thus shutting down any public disclosure of the story. Be smart. The Tribune can't protest in the street for the people, but it can inform them why they should be doing so. It is up to the citizens to vent their disgust and anger in the public sphere to pressure the politicians to take action. Venting against the Tribune is silly and accomplishes nothing. Imagine for a second if the Tribune didn't exist in this country... how much in the dark would the public be then?

Posted By: Disgusted On: 10/27/2009

Title: To Joe Blow

Obviously Joe you have not been following this article and therefore do not have much insight. The Tribune chose to delete over 100 valuable commentary from past and current staff, the community, people who know the Finlaysons, their way of doing business, their temperament and other info which would have clearly addressed questions such as yours.These deletions no doubt worked in favor of the owners of that company and against the employees. You are indeed correct in that time has shown (7 months to be precise) that "gums flapping" accomplishes nothing. Despite all of the complaints to the Minister and Director of Labour, these workers are still owed salaries in excess of 4 months while the Finlaysons parade around round in all their glory like its business as usual. What a sad country we live in when even the authorities because of their affiliations with these people do not do what is mandated of them.

Posted By: Joe Blow On: 10/25/2009

Title: Take action

Ya'll keep bashing the Tribune, but they're the only ones who've done anything to bring this situation to light. If you're all soooooooooooo concerned about what's going on at Solomons Mines, why not stage a protest outside the flagship store? Action speaks much louder than gums flapping

Posted By: Tired of it all On: 10/23/2009

Title: All smoke and no fire...

That's what these comments and this story will bring. Well no fire to the Finlaysons of course but to the poor, abused and unpaid workers of Solomon Mines. As a former worker I can echo all the sentiments expressed here about the ingratitudes, verbal abuse and late salary payments suffered by all. But what's the use of having all these brought to light if at the end of the day nothing good happens. The Finlaysons with all their political and personal contacts and friends in high places will continue to get away with their crap and keep believing that they are untouchable. I can just imagine the good laugh they are having over all what's written here. Does anyone here really believe that someone is really going to rally to the cause of the workers. One only has to visit the flagship store at Xmas to see the number of authority figures rubbing shoulderswith the Finlaysons and Christine, drinking fancy wine and getting ridiculous discounts on items they take on charge and then pay after a year. Or visit Tiger's house for his annual Xmas party and observe the who's who, sipping expensive champagne and stuffing their guts. These people are croonies of the Finlaysons. They get their personal fixings on liquor and gifts from the stores and their discounts and free rides and parties on the yatch. Not one of them is going to step up to any of the Finlaysons and even try to take them to task for their misdeeds. Heaven help the stupid idiot who tries to drag baby Tiger to court for any reason whatever. Why do you think he was never served the bench warrant that was issued against him. Certain police officers would not be getting any discounts on watches and inferior jewellery this Xmas if they had been that crazy to try and arrest Mark. My friends its not the Finlaysons who should be chastised in this forum but the supposed officials who's jobs it is to look after the oppressed and to see that their rights are not trampled or abused. When those folks can find the cojones to do what's right regardles of who the offenders are its then one can say that something good has come out of this. Otherwise its just going to be another story that got lost in the cobwebs.

Posted By: Another Observer On: 10/23/2009

Title: Signs of the Times

The fact that the Solomons Mines saga has been circulating in the newspapers for months on end with still no resolution speaks for itself. The fact that neither the Minister or the Director of Labour have come to the aid of the long suffering employees of this company, even though both gentlemen have admitted awareness of what is taking place speaks for itself. The fact that this company is allowed to break and violate the Labour Laws which represent the very core of our society, without being imposed the mandatory Fine or even a threat thereof speaks for itself and finally, the fact that one company, headed by two senior executives, are allowed day in and day out to continuously intimidate, denegrate and exercise oppressive tactics on their staff without reprimand or fear of reprimand says only one thing....... We are no longer our brothers' keepers or the Christian nation which we profess so proudly and vehemently to be. We are a nation of lost values, morals and respect. Another sign of the times.

Posted By: R. Knowles On: 10/23/2009

Title: Bay Street Oppression

The demotion of Lady M is indeed a tragedy of great magnitude, and a serious abuse of power as echoed by "Someone who cares". My earlier comments on the sorry state of affairs at Solomons Mines were deleted along with many others which had provided relevant and invaluable insight into the magnitude of problems within the company, as well as the plight of the employees. The demotion of this individual whose actions were only motivated by her desire to help a colleague appears to have been intentionally distorted by the powers that be in order to achieve a higher and seemingly more selfish objective. The mere fact that she has been penalized for her act of courage raises serious concerns with respect to the temperament of her superiors, whose actions it seems were clearly meant to oppress and instill fear in those who still remain in their employ. Given the chain of incidents, other questionable behaviour of the company's senior management over the past several months and this new development, it is highly unlikely that this once thriving, profitable and respected Bay Street enterprise will ever regain the respect or financial support of Joe Public that it once enjoyed.

Posted By: Erasmus Folly On: 10/22/2009

Title: Reporting is not Enforcement

Keep in mind that the Tribune can report things, but does not have the power to do things. For action, write your government, complain to your government, go on talk shows, pressure people with protests. The Tribune can't do it all people.

Posted By: Erasmus Folly On: 10/22/2009

Title: Foolish

The Tribune is the first forum to provide an outreach for anyone on this. They must protect themselves from liability. How would people like it if the Solomon's Group was able to turn around and sue the people complaining and the Tribune for revealing info. Don't be foolish in attacking the Tribune for having to protect itself from libel laws. If the Tribune goes down, who would the people have to voice their concerns? We would be at the mercy of these politicians with no 'public' outlet. Be smart people!

Posted By: Staff from when Solomons WAS SOLOMONS On: 10/22/2009

Title: Tribune Reporters!!!!!

If poster "Someone who cares" is correct, is the Tribune going to do a follow up story on the atrocities allegedly taking place at Solomons Mines? How is it even lawful that you cannot ask for your overdue pay at the risk of being fired or demoted?! As stated many times since this story broke, I am sure that none of the Finlaysons or any of the Solomons Mines excutives have had to go for monhs without pay! They don't face eviction or worse from not receiving compensation. And this recent and spiteful development is textbook victimization 101. Is the Minister of Labour or his minions aware of this (on top of everything else the Tribune has revealed)? Demotion from an Executive Assistant to a store clerk for trying to do the RIGHT THING?? Wow....I guess that IS how some do business! Mrs Robertson, please have your no-nonsense reporters grill the Solomons Mgmt on this and other operating anomalies that seem to exist in that company. I will log off and wait to see how much of this makes it to print once they are made to answer for what they are doing. This is simply disgusting!

Posted By: Someone who cares On: 10/22/2009

Title: Breaking News - On behalf of my Colleague

Solomons Mines Executive Assistant & Personal Assistant to Mark Finlayson (Lady M) has been demoted for going to him to seek approval for Solomons Mines to pay the company's janitor 2 weeks salary so that she would not be evicted by her landlord. Anyone calling the Executive Office will now be told that Lady M was transferred to one of the company's stores on Bay Street effective immediately. The decision to demote this young woman was made by Christine Turnquest and supported by Mark Finlayson and his wife Naja Finlayson who runs the company's clothing division. Sources say that Mrs. Turnquest felt that Lady M had undermined her authority in going to Mr. Finlayson on behalf of her colleague, which cannot be tolerated and that what happended to Lady M is an example to all other staff who try to do the same. The demotion to the store position was a direct order by Mrs. Turnquest. Mr. Finlayson (President and Managing Director of the company) said that while Lady M's motives and actions were admirable, Mrs. Turnquest had the authority to exercise any form of discipline she chose and that he did not wish to be involved. Sources noted that Lady M who is owed some 4 months salary was given the option to accept the demotion to the store level or resign from the company. It was also revealed that a number of Lady M's co-workers are silently outraged by this clear unwarranted act of victimization and abuse of power by Mrs. Turnquest but for obvious reasons can say nothing less they too find themselves out the door. THIS IS HOW THE FINLAYSONS DO BUSINESS. WHAT SAY YOU NOW JESSICA ROBERTSON?

Posted By: RORY SAUNDERS On: 10/22/2009

Title: A CALL FOR ACTION!!

WITH THE TRAVOLTA CASE, THE PLP CONVENTION, AND WHATEVER ELSE HAS/WILL CAPTIVATE HEADLINES, LETS NOT FORGET THAT ANOTHER MONTH IS SLIPPING BY AND THE PAST & PRESENT SOLOMONS MINES WORKERS ARE STILL NO FURTHER AHEAD THAN THEY WERE 5-6 MONTHS AGO!! THE LABOUR MINISTER NEEDS TO STEP IN TO PUT PRESSURE ON THE LABOUR DEPT OR HUBERT INGRAHAM HIMSELF NEEDS TO RID HIS PARTY OF THIS EMBARASSMENT AND PUT THE PRESSURE ON HIS MINISTER. PEOPLE ARE BEING VICTIMIZED AND THE NATION FOR THE MOST PART ONLY SEEM TO BE CONCERNED WITH WHO WILL BE THE NEXT LEADER OR EXECUTIVE OF THE PLP! DOES ANYONE SEE THE IRONY IN A DEPUTY LEADER HOPEFUL REPRESENTING THE COMPANY THAT IS OPPRESSING THESE PEOPLE?! ENOUGH OF THE POLITICAL HOT AIR AND DOUBLE TALK....ARE THESE SO CALLED LEADERS EVEN CARING ABOUT THE PLIGHT OF THESE PEOPLE?? (IRONICALLY, SOME OF THE SAME PEOPLE WHO MADE THEM MP'S). WE HAVE REALLY BECOME A SICK SOCIETY WHEN PEOPLE ARE READY AND WILLING TO TURN A BLIND EYE TO A CRIME LIKE THIS. WHAT'S NEXT? KILLINGS BY PROMINENT BUSINESS PEOPLE OR MP'S IN RAWSON SQ WITH THE MEDIA IN TOW AND NO ONE SEES ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT?? WE HAVE TO DO BETTER PEOPLE....

Posted By: Jessica Robertson, Tribune242 Online Editor On: 10/21/2009

Title: To Concerned Citizens

I am sorry that you are disappointed that we've had to pull comments from this forum. Please be assured that we are taking note of all leads and information that is posted, but we must follow the law. The guidelines we've set have been done so in accordance with Bahamas libel law. Comments which may seem like mere passionate sounding off to many, are in fact, breaking the law and so they have been removed. We have not pulled the plug, and as with other stories, The Tribune news team will continue to cover it. To Moree - unfortunately we are only able to delete comments completely. Editing is not an option.

Posted By: Moree On: 10/21/2009

Title: Serious Times!

While some statements may be violating the rules of the forum, is it not possible to edit them to exclude any harmful material? Alot of what is being posted is based on the passion and anger of the former/current staff and/or their families who are affected by this lack of compensation. I do not think that most people are getting a full appreciation for what this situation is doing to those people and their families - facing evictions or repossessions through foreclosures, having their banks and whoever they borrowed money from calling at all times of day only to go in to work as requested with no pay in sight! I feel for them and wished there was some way to get them what they are owed by governmental pressure or whatever effectual means. Clearly taking those responsible to court is not getting these victims anywhere and the powers-that-be in that organization could care less how many times the Tribune or the Bahamian public shed light on their misdeeds! To them its like a dog without teeth - all bark, no bite! If any lawyers or Ministers (cabinet or clergy) worth their salt are reading these posts, please compel the Finlaysons to do the right thing! I would hate to know what would befall these workers if the PLP is returned to power in the next election and these business owners find themselves buddied up with the would-be Government of the day again. Somebody PLEASE help them out - if only through anonymous advice in this forum.

Posted By: Concerned Citizens On: 10/21/2009

Title: To Jessica Robertson -Online Editor

We the public are most disappointed that you have once again chosen to delete vital insight into the goings on at Solomons Mines and the unfair, heartless treatment of the staff by the Management of that company. In adhering to the guidelines which you set forth and from my observations there was very little feedback (if any) which crossed the line you had established. Valuable input from both present and former employees, their family members, friends as well as opinions and observations from persons in the community which have helped to shape this story are now lost. How do you expect that justice will be served or that the needed attention will ever be given when avenues such as these are blocked and commentary is deleted? The only people you are helping which I am sure you know is Mark Finlayson and hurting the workers in the process. After following this horror story for the last 6 months and seeing what the staff were up against, we would have thought you would have shown more support for the workers rather than blocking the voice of the people. Once again the Finlaysons' win, the people lose and it is business as usual. The Minister of Labour, Director of Labour and all of the relevant authorities have totally ignored this crisis and you chose to pull the plug. You have disappointed us beyond mere words.

Posted By: D. Collie On: 10/21/2009

Title: To Gerald Ratner

Although we appreciate the forum to dialogue on the matter, perhaps if you were closer to the matter you would have some more compassion. From the outside looking in, we all wonder why these people have not simply walked off the job....but is it really that cut-and-dry? What of the released workers still waiting on their severance pay for 6 months now?? They are no longer a part of the organization yet they are being held hostage by this Finlayson brand of doing business. Would you have the current staff agitate by striking and inevitably be fired to join their former colleagues waiting even longer for some mystical promise of a payday eventually? The staff still there have probably thought to leave (and I am sure they have), but with the job market being what it is right now - what other recourse do they have than to hold on to their "jobs" hoping that one day the Finlaysons would pay up to allow them to keep their homes, take care of their families and pay their bills. They have seen the Minister of Labor and the Labor Dept all shuffle this issue back and forth with no results, they have seen the people at NIB try to run down their bosses to bring their NIB payments current - all to no avail. Perhaps a walk in their shoes might be a sobering experience for many. Kicking them when they are down doesn't help matters anymore than striking outside the store would - they already claim that they are lambasted and allegedly victimized for even having the audacity to enquire when they will be paid! They have chosen to non-violently take their fight to the press and should be applauded for not losing their collective cool (present Tribune forum comments not withstanding - but understandable all the same). If only their "bosses" would exercise such decorum and do the RIGHT THING!

Posted By: Gerald Ratner On: 10/20/2009

Title: Why work there?

Am I stupid or are the employees at Solomon's Mines? If you're not getting paid, why continue to work there? I wouldn't allow myself to be used in such a way. I'd stand outside making sure the tourists know what goes on behind the counter.

Posted By: EAR ON THE GROUND On: 10/20/2009

Title: I Can Understand

I have been avidly following and contributing to the comments written on this truly disgusting chain of events. Ms. Robertson, I fully understand The Tribune's position and would thank you for having noted everything that has been written. I happen to know it is all true, but your correspondents, including myself, were getting more and more angry as the disclusures became more and more frightening. I regret some of the comments were over the top and very personal,, but it is good that we still have the opportunity to keep this story hot. My main concern, like everybody, is the well-being of Solomon's staff, both past and present. There are so many heartbreaking stories and NOTHING IS BEING DONE by the relevant authorities(?). I've said it before, but he bottom line is not only is the management CORRUPT AND IMMORAL but they are also HOPELESSLY INCOMPETENT and TOTALLY LACKING IN BUSINESS EXPERTISE. Tiger better bite the bullet and fire Mark and Turnquest and the so-called Left Hand, bring in experienced management and/or promote the talent that may still exist in the company. Sir Garet, get off those long dollars you have, either personally or with ABDAB, and inject the necessary capital the company needs, PAY ALL THE STAFF what is owed them, have someone who knows what they are doing to buy the right merchandise & sell it at the right price. Your competition is laughing. The only alternative is that you will be out of business and Bay Street will look even more blighted. Bravo Lady M. You should be Human Resources Manager (Mark and Turnquest seem scarcely human and certainly lack resources!)

Posted By: D.Collie On: 10/20/2009

Title: To AKA

You make an interesting point, but the one drawback to that scenario is that the politicians are elected PUBLIC SERVANTS yet they seem to pervert the system and make those who voted them in THEIR servants! So as long as businessmen and politicians stay in bed with each other, the general public will always lose out when either side of that partnership is found doing wrong. Sad, but true.

Posted By: D.Collie On: 10/20/2009

Title: To joe

Ouch! You said a mouthful and then some...but all on point! However, with all of these FACTS floating around these people, how do they sleep at night? Scary....

Posted By: joe On: 10/20/2009

Title: What Else Do You Expect

Firstly one has to recognize that Fitzgerald is a cousin of Finlayson. Second, who was the lawyer who did Tiger's deal with Heineken for the Brewery? Tiger always has his sponsored political cronies in both parties. Arli Butler and Neko Grant in the FNM, the latter who has been in the employ of Burns House for over twenty years. Bradley Roberts is Tiger's boy in the PLP and Fitzgerald is now Tiger's new PLP man in grooming. Don't forget that Snake Wilson has always been Tiger's numbers man and a former PLP MP. Snake always flies with Tiger on any major deal and fixes the numbers so Tiger can grab companies which most have gone out of business. As to the Finlayson's management style. Family first - no matter is they are qualified. Tiger also pulls huge "management" fees out of his companies and is notorious for not paying his bills. Ask Toyota who successfully sued him after he did not pay for the 50 plus cars he sold the government for the Commonwealth Heads meeting in Nassau back in the 90's. Bahamas Blenders was bankrupted, Central Motors and ABC motors out of business. Bethell Robertson out of business. However the yachts get bigger and the Finlayson's and their cronies get richer. Sooner or later, the people of the country have to understand there are chosen few who get the benefits from the men in the House of Assembly. The masses are a joke to them. Keep a D average in schools and your have stupid people to get you elected and then only look after a few of your boys in business. The problem is while a few of these pompous asses get richer we have an explosive situation developing in this country further enhanced presently by the economy. So while Tiger and members of the House get fatter, the rest of us better stay slim to outrun the criminals marauding our streets who are desperate to make ends meet, keep drugs in their system with absolutely no education or sense how to make a go a life in any legitimate fashion. PLP and FNM - SHAME ON YOU FOR ALLOWING TIGER THE COMPANY DEMOLISHER DESTROY SO MANY LIVELIHOODS OVER THE PAST 3 DECADES. HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO ENJOY YOUR PRIVILEGES ON TIGER'S YACHT MARITANI.

Posted By: T. Arahna On: 10/20/2009

Title: A word of encouragement....

I am not even directly affected but can feel myself getting hot under the collar just THINKING about being worked for months on end then made to feel like I am asking for a favor when I want to know when I will see my funds because bills are past due! What has this country come to? There was a time when Bahamian people built each other up - at least where and how I grew up! Nowadays, it seems as though many just want to enslave the very people they rely on to put them in positions of privilege. That is sick and shows just how far DOWN the ladder of decency we have slid! Is this a view of a progressive Bahamas?! I cry shame on all persons involved with oppressing these workers (current and released) - from the employer to the Governement officials standing idly by counting votes to the pastors who no doubt should be short in their collection plates to the ordinary man on the street who still finds it necessary to cheerlead these so caled "men of power" and giving a nod to bad behavior! Solomons staff, past and present, be encouraged....you have a strong support system and as sure as there is a God, you will find satisfaction in this situation one way or another. It may come in the form of another (more rewarding job) or your rightful financial settlement....but rest assured, those who are exploiting you and any others for their own evil aims will surely not prosper!

Posted By: Abigail Saunders (hushhush01@gmail.com) On: 10/20/2009

Title: To Mr. Chester Robards

You are truly deserving of an award for your outstanding and consistent coverage of the Solomons Mines issue. Do not falter since you are now the voice for those who cannot speak. It is obvious that you have their trust and support in keeping their story alive and to the forefront. Congradulations on your excellent work and may God continue to guide your hands and your heart.

Posted By: Margo J. On: 10/20/2009

Title: A word to Sen. Jerome Fitzgerald

A wise word to the good Senator would be to cut his ties with Mark Finlayson over the Solomons Mines issue for ethical reasons and encourage his pal to do the honorable thing and pay his staff, particularly if the Senator wants to be seen as a champion of the people. This situation and his twisting the system to accommodate the Finlaysons can only hurt his political ambitions. Sometimes in life you have to be smart enought to know where to draw the line and not allow friendships to prevent you from doing what you know to be morally correct. The actions of a man are indeed a true reflection of his heart. A simple no-brainer.

Posted By: Grateful Employees On: 10/20/2009

Title: PLEASE HELP

Our highest gratitude go out to Mr. Chester Robards and the Tribune for the excellent follow-up on the sad situation at Solomons Mines. We are a small group of workers who are still employed with the company but we have no voice and do not deserve what management is doing to us. The 2 top people who run the company (Mark Finlayson and Christine Turnquest) are hot tempered and only see things their way. We have no rights (other than to quit) and dare not ask for what is owed to us because we may find ourselves out the door like some of the previous staff. While all of our situations are desperate some of us have spouses so there is still an income but for those who do not it is even harder to survive these days. We are all broke, under pressure to pay escalating bills, take care of our kids and desperately need what they owe us but the people mentioned above do not seem to care, understand or appreciate this. At one time we tried to see Mark Finlayson (President of the company) who had told us at a staff meeting that his door was always open to all of us but were told by his Assistant that we would have to see Mrs. Christine Turnquest (Chief Operating Officer) instead because Mr. Finlayson was not dealing with salary issues. We decided not to see Mrs. Turnquest because we have found she is very unpleasant and not easy to talk to or reason with. Right now we are all just trying to stay afloat but it gets more difficult each day. It does not seem either that the Minister of Labour or the Department of Labour has our back or is interested in helping us. We beg you to please continue what you are doing and hopefully someone out there will read our story and come to our aid.

Posted By: BahamasB2B.com On: 10/19/2009

Title: Send Mark Finlayson to Jail

Nice article Chester. Mr Finlayson is in contempt of court for refusing to appear at a court hearing on his failure to pay his NIB contributions. That is a criminal offense, which makes him, well, a criminal. Foulkes, Brown and Reggie the top cop are all remiss in their duties. They should be sharing a a cell with Mr Finlayson. As we have said for ten years... until the corruption is rooted out The Bahamas is headed on a one way trip to hell.

Posted By: Jessica Robertson, Online Editor On: 10/19/2009

Title: What is and isn't allowed

To answer those asking why we didn't simply pull the libelous comments on the initial story – there were far too many and the best course of action was to stop the dialogue as people were not following the rules we've established. Do not worry, our news team has made note of all the information shared, so it is not lost forever, and we certainly would ask that anyone with information they'd like us to look into would email it to pnunez@tribunemedia.net, crobards@tribunemedia.net or jrobertson@tribunemedia.net. We can then follow through on the leads without exposing the paper or yourselves to legal action.

Posted By: G. W. Smith On: 10/19/2009

Title: Tribune242.com Admin

Is it not possible to merely edit/delet offensive posts? As "Kool Guy" and "C.Cargill" stated, alot of factual information may be lost forever and may have proven helpful IF the Minister of Labor/Labor Department gave this matter all the attention it deserves. I doubt they will be able to conduct a proper investigation if they arrange a meeting with the powers that be at Solomons and expect them to be completely forthcoming. I dont know - just my thoughts I guess. But kudos on once again doing a fine job in reporting these issues! No other media house seems to even want to touch this OR have only grazed AFTER the Tribune dove in head first to reveal what was going on. Keep up the good work and my condolences to the Carron Family and the Tribune staff on the whole.

Posted By: Nicole W. On: 10/19/2009

Title: No pride

So..... if the staff at Solomons Mines haven't been paid in over 4 months, how are they making ends meet, especially those caught up in this situation who are single and do not have a spouse or a boo as a back-up? It must be twice as hard on them. As true as it is I find it hard to imagine that anyone especially the Finlayson family who seem to have it all would treat their staff this way, have they no pride? no standards? no morals? This goes beyond being inhumane and selfish. Shame on them shame shame shame.

Posted By: Daughter of Current Employee On: 10/19/2009

Title: Thanks Tribune Team

I must commend Mr. Robards and the Tribune team for once again bringing this issue to the forefront of news reporting. However long it takes for retribution, is how many more times I would like to see this issue reported on. Thanks once again.

Posted By: L. R. Dames On: 10/19/2009

Title: No End In Sight

It appears there is still no end in sight for this situation at Solomons which has been going on since April of this year. I also think Harcourt Brown was playing possum when he told the Tribune he did not know how much time the Law allowed a company to not pay its staff before it would be subjected to a Fine. He should know this stuff backwards. My guess is he wanted to avoid the embarassment of trying to explain that why is it after 4 months (and counting) his office has not yet enforced that Law. As for Dion Foulkes tossing the ball into the Mr. Brown's court, that's just politics as usual, everybody's looking for cover and Peter ain't no better than Paul.

Posted By: Sam On: 10/19/2009

Title: Utter Madness

Thank you Tribune for bringing back this story. I was really looking forward to sharing the feedback from your Oct.6.2009 article with some folks over the weekend but unfortunately it was deleted before I was able to. This article is certainly an eye opener. I know some of the people involved and never would have guessed this kind of thing was going on in their establishment. This is certainly an abuse of their employees no matter how you look at it or who is doing the looking. It is blatantly WRONG, plain and simple. Like so many others I must ask 'where is the Minister of Labour and his Director Harcourt Brown' in all of this. Does the buck not stop at their doorstep? And how long is this suppose to continue before someone finally brings a stop to this madness?

Posted By: KOOL GUY On: 10/19/2009

Title: RESPECT WILL KEEP US IN VIEW

HEY YALL WRITERS: TO MAKE SURE THIS ARTICLE IS NOT DELETED LIKE THE PREVIOUS ONE ----- PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE----- LET US ALL BE RESPECTFUL IN OUR COMMENTS. I KNOW A LOT OF FOLKS OUT THERE LIKE ME ARE REALLY UPSET AND HAVE EVERY CAUSE TO BE, BUT LETS' KEEP OUR COOL SO THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN. GOD HAS BEEN GOOD AND GIVEN US ANOTHER FORUM , WE CAN'T AFFORD TO MESS UP AGAIN.

Posted By: Seymour On: 10/19/2009

Title: Jessica Robertson/Chseter Robards - Previous Solomons Mines Story?

Whatever happened to the previous story that ran in the Tribune a few weeks ago? It seemed as though alot of insider information was being put forth, and indeed may have helped to shape today's Insight. Is there a way of finding that original article anymore or was it taken down completely from the website?

Posted By: D. Collie On: 10/19/2009

Title: To: Chester Robards & The Tribune

I was PLEASED to see that the Tribune ran a follow-up to this story in today's Insight! However to further the dialogue, to date some staff are STILL 5-6 months unpaid!?! That, in my opinion, is just criminal on behalf of the Finlaysons! How is this even morally acceptable in this day and age? I doubt ANY other employed persons in this country have had to undergo such hardships....where is the leadership in this country?! Who is leading the charge in the fight for employee rights? Are we to believe that people like the Finlaysons are insulated from the LAW of the land and free to conduct business in some sort of mafia-style dealings? This is ridiculous!