“It Seems Mr. Ferguson Has Fallen out Of Grace With The PM” BNATC President Says

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Tensions between the government and unions continue to simmer as the next general election draws near.

The Trade Union Congress has accused the government of failing to fully meet the commitments outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed while in opposition, while another union leader suggests the disputes may be personal.

Belinda Wilson, president of the Bahamas National Alliance of Trade Union Congress (BNATUC), did not hold back in her criticism of Trade Union Congress president Obie Ferguson.

Ferguson claims that the government has yet to deliver on all points outlined in the MOU, signed ahead of the last election. He has even threatened a national strike targeting both the airport and the Paradise Island Bridge.

However, speaking to TUC affiliates on Monday evening, Ferguson sought to clarify his position, saying:
“For those of you who think I have a problem with the prime minister… I have no problem with the prime minister, trust me.”

The memorandum at the center of the disagreement was signed in August 2021 by then-opposition leader Philip Davis and party chairman Fred Mitchell. It outlined a series of promises the party committed to fulfilling if elected. Nearly five years into office, Ferguson maintains that many of those promises remain unfulfilled.

Wilson, for her part, insists the issue is clear: the government must honor its commitments and maintain open consultation with unions. She stressed:
“We, as our congress, every time we meet with the prime minister, with the minister of labour, or whoever, we stress to them that we want the legislation, we want the hotel union to be a part when they’re putting together the heads of agreement, we want them to look at the entertainment sector.”

She also expressed concern over internal union processes, stating:
“What we disagreed with is the manner in which our leader signed off on a document that we had no information about it.”

The ongoing disputes underline the complex relationship between unions and government, particularly as the country heads toward elections. With promises yet to be fully realized, both sides are under pressure to engage meaningfully with workers and union representatives.