The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS 

Tribune Staff Reporter 

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Union of Auxiliary Professionals in Education (BUAPE) is calling for the resignation of Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) President Dr Linda Davis, accusing her of creating a toxic environment marked by victimisation, delayed compensation and disregard for union engagement.

At a campus protest yesterday, BUAPE president Ernesto Williams led faculty, staff, and students — many dressed in black, some barefoot — carrying signs condemning Dr Davis’ leadership.

Mr Williams claimed the president has repeatedly failed to engage the union and stakeholders in good faith, instead responding with delays, silence, or punitive actions.

He accused her of responding with dismissiveness and delays, alleging that her administration withheld job letters, stalled overtime and allowance payments, and failed to grant permanent or pensionable status, leaving many staff on contract. He also claimed there had been no promotions, deteriorating student life, and favouritism shown only to a close circle while others have been sidelined.

Protesters said morale has plummeted under her tenure. This is not the first time staff has protested Dr Davis.

The BUAPE became the official bargaining agent at BTVI in December 2024, but Mr Williams said efforts to engage in constructive dialogue have been ignored.

“The president has proven that she cannot be worked with and that she is anti-union, that she is anti the government’s mission of being labour sensitive and union cooperative. She has operated against those mandates, and unfortunately, she has created a working environment and a working atmosphere that has everyone under duress, and it’s time for it to stop,” he said.

“We’re calling today for the nation’s leaders to move and operate and remove the president. The president has to go because we cannot work under these conditions where our members and our students and faculty are coming to this institution not wanting to be involved.”

Mr Williams criticised what he described as a pattern of BTVI receiving unfit or ineffective leadership compared to other institutions. He called for a shift toward appointing people-centred leaders who are democratic in their approach, willing to listen and engage with staff, actively involve and motivate team members, and work collaboratively with the union. 

Dr Davis served as interim president from May 2022 and was officially appointed in February 2024. She is the institution’s second president and the first woman to hold the position.

BTVI declined to comment on the matter when contacted yesterday.