The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – Six local government workers in the West Grand Bahama District signed letters of appointment with the Public Service yesterday, officially becoming public servants.

The group of women – five janitresses and one security officer – have worked in the public school system for between six to 16 years in West Grand Bahama.

The signing and turn over was held at the Administrator’s Office in Eight Mile Rock.

Receiving letters of appointment were: Bethsheba Rigby-Edwards of Eight Mile Rock High; Jackiely Jack and Gloria Missick of Bartlett Hill Primary; Tamara Parker of Holmes Rock Primary; Amy Roberts of Martin Town Primary; and Patricia Russell of Lewis Yard Primary.

Bethsheba Rigby-Edwards, a janitress employed for 16 years at the Eight Mile Rock High, has waited for this moment for a long time. 

“It has been a long time, but to God be the Glory,” she said.

Amy Roberts, a security officer of 15 years at the Martin Town Primary School, said: “This day means a lot to me. It shows that what I have been working for has finally paid off. We will have to work harder and continue to display our best,” she said.

Chief Councillor Rosney Cooper expects to travel to Nassau to conclude negotiations with the government regarding the tenure of service of the six former local government workers.  

“I believe this is the proudest day for me in local government,” he said.

“(But) I am still somewhat disappointed because we have persons who started with us at age 50 and 45 years, and because the process took so long they are not able to be a part of this today. They are some of most vibrant and productive persons in the school system.”

Administrator Brenda Colebrooke said the six workers would have to complete a 12-month probationary period.