Baptiste-Primus told Dowlath on October 7: “The PSA is
extremely concerned that you have received funds from the Ministry
of Agriculture to pay the outstanding monies due to the several
workers resulting from the Industrial Court Judgement 109 of 2000
and have not done so in its entirety.
“I am in receipt of a complaint that whilst you have effected
payment to certain eligible officers arising out of the court
award, you have unlawfully and spitefully withheld payments to
Ramlakhan Deonarine, chairman of PSA Section, R. Bhagirat Sankar
and Marlene Sammy, both management committee members.
“The union views your action as an act of victimisation
against these workers who are PSA representatives, and wishes
to remind you of Section 42 (1) (a, b & c) of the Industrial
Relations Act (IRA).”
The Act says that an employer shall not adversely affect the employment
or alter a worker’s position to his prejudice by reason
of the fact that he is an officer or member of a trade union,
is entitled to a benefit or award and has appeared as a witness
or given evidence in proceedings.
Baptiste-Primus continued: “It is apparent that you are
bent on ‘venting spleen’ against the union’s
representatives.
“Clearly, you are allowing your subjectivity to be your
guide; your action also reflects your lack of interest in the
welfare of the employees of NAMDEVCO.
“Note well that we will not stand idly by and allow you
to continue to oppress the workers of NAMDEVCO.
“The union is demanding that you pay these employees their
rightful entitlement forthwith.”
The union leader further hit out at Dowlath: “You are not
fit enough to hold the office of CEO.”
And on October 11, Lee Yuen told Dowlath in relation to the said
PSA vs NAMDEVCO dispute: “I note that the audited computations
of entitlements up to July 31, 2005 in favour of Ramlakhan Deonarine,
Bhagirat Sankar and Marlene Sammy were duly completed and cheques
prepared in the appropriate sums.
“Notwithstanding the unresolved ‘alternative arrangements’
that would facilitate the successful conclusion of this matter,
there should be no further delay in complying with the court order
to pay the sums owed.
“I wish to direct you, as CEO of NAMDEVCO, to issue the
three outstanding cheque payments today (October 11, 2205), which
I have already approved on September 30, by signing same.”
Lee Yuen added: “Given the current composition of the Board
and the status of the Corporation’s strategic plan, I feel
that it would be prudent at this time, to comply with the substantive
aspects of the Court order and avoid further litigation.
“The unresolved issues can be dealt with by a full Board
in the future.”
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