THE government’s plans to appeal a Supreme Court ruling on overtime pay for police officers shows that the PLP has diverged from its original principles of looking out for Bahamians, according to the Democratic National Alliance.
In a statement released yesterday, DNA Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer criticised Minister of State for National Security Keith Bell for “bullying” and “brow beating” police officers over a myriad of issues over the past few months, including the issue of overtime pay.
“At a time when violent crime continues to threaten our very way of life, Bahamians now, more than ever, appreciate the work that police officers do; the sacrifices they make in their own lives to ensure that each of us can feel safer,” Mr Mortimer said. “It appears, however, that the government does not share the public’s sentiment.
“Members of the Police Staff Association (PSA) who dared to challenge the government on the issue of overtime payments were vindicated by a Supreme Court ruling handed down two weeks ago by Justice Milton Evans. That ruling stemming from a decision by the government to have officers work 12-hour shifts back in September 2013 and then again in February 2014 was a culmination of a month’s long legal battle with the government who simply refused to compensate those officers.”
He added: “Even in the face of this court ruling, however, this Christie led government has continued its efforts to deny these hardworking officers their just due. In comments to the media, the State Minister of National Security Keith Bell announced plans by the government to appeal the court’s decision telling a local daily that the officers ‘are not entitled to it’.
“Over the past several months we have watched as ‘Bell the Bully’ has attempted to browbeat and intimidate members of the police and armed forces who have been critical of the government’s handling of their grievances therefore his opposition to the ruling of the court is not surprising. His latest comments regarding those officers represent more than simply a disregard and lack of appreciation for the many personal sacrifices made during the execution of the 12-hour work shifts, but also is indicative of the government’s departure from the fundamental tenants upon which the PLP was founded.”
He added that this shift from its founding principles has caused disenchanted members, such as former PLP Greg Moss, to leave the party. “In its party constitution, the PLP pledges to secure for the workers of the Bahamas, the just fruits of their labour…assisting whenever in their reasonable efforts to protect the just fruits of their labour,” Mr Mortimer added. “Since taking office, however, this government has failed on more than one occasion to ensure that the rights of workers have been adequately protected and have in many cases been responsible for trampling on the very rights which they were mandated to protect.
“The Democratic National Alliance fully supports the work of the police and calls on the government to adhere to the ruling handed down by the court and finally act in the best interest of those who serve and protect.”
On the issue of overtime, the Supreme Court ordered that the government pay the officers for the hours worked or give them the equivalent in days off.
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