The Tribune

THE BAHAMAS government is closely monitoring the ongoing industrial dispute between the Bahamas Maritime Pilots Association, The Freeport Harbour Company and the Bahamas Oil Refining Company, Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna Martin said yesterday.

However, she added that the Government is “not minded” to step in and intervene in the dispute at this time.

“We are watching the situation. We were originally engaged in hearing their concerns, but it is an industrial issue and an issue between employers and employees,” she said.

Earlier this month, 15 marine pilots resigned from their jobs in Freeport amid safety and training concerns, announcing their wish to provide pilotage services through the newly-formed Freeport Pilotage Company Ltd.

According to Erin Ferguson, managing director of Bahamas Maritime Pilots Association (BMPA), as part of world pilotage standards, marine pilots should be independent from commercial enterprises so they can make decisions in the best interest of the port.

However, with BORCO continuing to defend its safety and training standards, Mr Ferguson said his association is not receiving cooperation from the relevant companies as it tried to establish itself.

(See BORCO’s statement on page 9).