The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

TWO top officials in the Bahamas Nurses Union have been suspended, even as president Muriel Lightbourne fights off claims that she herself was removed from office.

Yesterday, Ms Lightbourne strongly denied reports that she was fired, calling the allegations a “personal attack” and insisting she remains president.

“I am the president of the union, and I did not suspend them. The Constitution mandated their suspension,” she said, referring to the Secretary General and First Vice President.

Ms Lightbourne said the suspensions followed union rules and were not motivated by personal grievances. She explained that after an executive meeting on April 22, 2025, the union planned a general meeting for April 29 to update members. However, she believes misinformation was deliberately spread before she could address the membership.

“I guess the urgency for them to try to throw that out into the public before I reach to the general members with the actual facts is what they try to do,” she said.

Addressing personal criticism, she added: “The personal attack against me is not warranted. However, if they choose to attack me as an individual, that’s fine, but when you’re going to shake the foundation of the Bahamas Nurses Union, that’s when I kind of get little upset, you know, that’s what bothers me.”

Ms Lightbourne said the suspension of the First Vice President stemmed from legal action initiated by members, requiring action once a judgment was delivered.

“When we got the judgment, we had to go to the Constitution. The Constitution mandated a suspension,” she said.

As for the Secretary General, she said members had long voiced complaints.

“Membership was tired of that, and that constituted the Secretary General being removed,” she said, adding that the executive board voted on the matter.

Rejecting claims that the union is in disarray, Ms Lightbourne said: “There’s no loss of control. I am focused,” quoting a biblical passage: “Just like the tree planted by the rivers of waters, I will not be moved.”

She pledged her continued service to union members, stating: “I’m elected to serve. Serve is what I do. As long as I’m the president of the Bahamas Nurses Union, I will serve my members.”

A letter dated April 23 2025, titled “Notice to Vacate Office,” accused Ms Lightbourne of breaching Articles IV, VI, and IX of the union’s constitution, which relate to dues, general officers, and the executive board. She dismissed the letter’s legitimacy, declaring: “Nothing any of the distractors try to do will deter me.”

She has urged all members to attend the general meeting on April 29.

“I will bring the nurses, the membership of the union, up to speed with what is happening,” she said.