The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIALS from the Bahamas Correctional Officers Association (BCOA) held a press conference yesterday to address the “threatening remarks” made by State Minister of National Security Keith Bell.

BCOA President Gregory Archer said his members do not want any more confusion or public bashing. They simply want an opportunity to meet with officials from the Ministry of National Security over their grievances.

Mr Archer said following a two-day “sick out” earlier this year, in which two thirds of officers rostered to work did not show up, his association was granted a meeting with both Senator Bell and Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage.

He said that there were a number of issues that had not been discussed in that meeting. Mr Archer said the association was promised another sit-down to complete discussions within a week of that previous meeting, but, as yet, this has not happened.

“This has now been three months. This is disrespect that we are getting,” Mr Archer said. “We are tired and to threaten us is unacceptable.”

On Monday, Senator Bell alleged that the Police Staff Association was a “political tool” as he questioned how its chairman Dwight Smith could remain at the helm of the PSA amid an ongoing indecent assault court case.

He also said the PSA and the BCOA were acting like unions and that the government would “deal with this”.

Earlier this month, both groups held a march about lingering disputes over salaries, insurance and “disrespect” from the government. Members of the third party, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) and civic group the Bahamas National Citizens Coalition, also attended that march.

Mr Archer yesterday stopped short of calling for industrial action over Mr Bell’s remarks, but he said his association is prepared to protect themselves through legal action if needed.

The BCOA’s attorney Dennis Williams expressed great concern for what he sees as a blatant disregard displayed by Dr Nottage and Mr Bell towards members of the armed forces.

He claimed that the BCOA in particular has been “agitating to no avail”. Mr Williams said there are outstanding matters that adversely affect the social, economic and holistic welfare of each member.

The attorney said every citizen has the constitutional right to join the union of their choice, including members of the BCOA.

“We encourage the government to resolve all issues with the BCOA in timely manner to prevent any future fallout,” he added.

Mr Williams questioned if Senator Bell understood that, according to his statements, he and his colleagues had also committed ethical breaches in the past when they marched with unions.

“We are dismayed at the comments made by Senator Bell, especially since at every opportunity and in particular Labour Day he and his PLP comrades are marching with the trade unions,” Mr Williams said.

Nelerene Harding, speaking on behalf of the National Congress of Trade Unions, said that the government’s efforts would be better served if they dealt with outstanding labour issues – and not finding ways to assassinate the characters of persons striving “only to improve their working conditions”.