The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT: The Progressive Liberal Party candidates on Grand Bahama expressed concern over the firing of 72 employees from Hutchison Whampoa's business operations.

Senator Michael Darville, candidate for Pineridge; Attorney Gregory Moss, candidate for Marco City; and Julian Russell, the candidate for Eight Mile Rock, issued a statement about the increasing unemployment rate on the island.

"We express our deep concern and absolute shock about the distressing news that some 70 employees of Hutchison Whampoa's business operations here in Grand Bahama have been terminated, adding to this island's already painfully high unemployment rate that is estimated to be well in excess of 20 per cent," the statement said.

"We are told that the massive downsizing exercise that has taken place affected workers here at the Container Port as well as at the airport and Hutchison's hotel operations.

"Obviously, given the state of Grand Bahama's depressed economy, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham will use this as an excuse to ward off criticism of his FNM government's cruel neglect of Grand Bahama over the past four-plus years, which has created an economic environment that makes it difficult for businesses to meet their responsibilities to their employees."

Dr Darville said companies which have closed under this FNM government in the last few years include, Fenestration Glass Company, the Home Center, Freeport Concrete, the Yamaha dealership, the Bowling Alley, Stone Crab restaurant, three restaurants operated by Rick Hayward, the Native Hut restaurant, Papa John Pizza, a McDonald's franchise, and countless small shops.

He also stated that many other businesses are operating with reduced staff levels.

"That's how bad the situation is here in Grand Bahama as a result of the mismanagement of this country's economy generally by Mr. Ingraham and his FNM government," Darville said.

"To make matters worse, the Prime Minister himself chose to personally contribute to the problems that have crippled Grand Bahama's economy by engaging in an acrimonious dispute with Sir Jack Hayward, one of the principal owners of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), for reasons that are still unclear to residents of Grand Bahama."

"This dispute escalated in December of 2009 when Mr. Ingraham, at a press conference at Sir Lynden Pindling International Airport in New Providence shortly before leaving for a climate change conference in Europe, announced that his government would not renew the work permit of Hannes Babak, the then chairman of the GBPA."

Mr Darville claims that Babak had been hand-picked by Sir Jack and Lady Henrietta St. George, widow of the late Edward St. George, the other co-owner of the GBPA, to be the company's chairman because it was believed that he was the best person to do what Edward St. George did so well, and that was encourage investors and new businesses to come to Grand Bahama.

"Since then, Mr. Ingraham has chosen to ignore the fact that as a result of technological advances, we live in a shrinking world in which the decisions he makes as Prime Minister are instantly known globally by persons who are interested in doing business in The Bahamas."

Senator Darville believes that due to Mr Ingraham's ongoing dispute with the leadership of the GBPA, even to the extent of reportedly refusing to meet with them to try and resolve their differences, will continue to do serious damage to Grand Bahama's economy.

He said the PLP is ready and prepared to restore good governance to the country.

Minister of State for Finance Zhivargo Laing said the termination of Hutchison workers "is not good news for a very troubled Grand Bahama economy".

He said: "It is a sad situation, especially for the persons involved, who I am sure would not have wanted this kind of news at any time - especially around the holiday season just before the beginning of the new year."

Minister Laing, MP for Marco City, said arrangements will be made to provide assistance to the displaced workers.

He said government will provide some assistance through the Social Services Department and the Unemployment Benefit Programme, as well as offering counselling.

Mr Laing said that the global economic situation continues to affect some places more than others.

He said: "I am told that what (Hutchison) is doing is a reflection of some restructuring the company is seeking to do.

"We ourselves have to be mindful of the global economic situation that continues to be tentative in many ways, and continues to have some downside even though in some places there is mixed story about positive news, and in other places the news not so positive."

"But here in Grand Bahama things continue to be very difficult and we have to be vigilant."