National

Union Chief: Our Members Have Been Faced With Tribulation

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – There’s one union that’s not so happy, and that’s the union that represents staff at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute.

Published

7 months ago

May 21, 2025

Delvardo Emmanuel

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – There’s one union that’s not so happy, and that’s the union that represents staff at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute.

They say they have nothing to celebrate and are accusing the institution’s president of mistreatment, delay tactics, and a toxic work culture.

Tensions at BTVI have reached a boiling point as Bahamas Union of Auxiliary Professionals in Education union members, and even students, rallied to slam what they describe as failed leadership and a toxic workplace culture.

One even went as far as imitating a dog on a leash.

They all wore black to symbolize their frustration and loss of morale. The union says conditions have deteriorated, and they’re making one thing clear: the president must step down.

Front and center at today’s demonstration was the union’s president, Ernesto Williams.

Ernesto Williams – President, Bahamas Union of Auxiliary Professionals in Education
“Our members have unfortunately been faced with tribulation from the institution’s leadership.”

The union claims maintenance staff have been moved from room to room after reporting unsafe conditions, including mold, with no permanent solution.

And while some workers say they’ve been waiting years for promotions, others have already given up.

Ernesto Williams – President, Bahamas Union of Auxiliary Professionals in Education
“So many of our members have chosen peace of mind. They’ve chosen to leave the institution because they’ve been demotivated, they’ve been devalued, they’ve not been respected, and the union has brought forth, fought time and again, moments to work with the institution’s leadership.”

According to Williams, communication between them and university officials has either been delayed or denied.

Standing in solidarity with BUAPE was the president of the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas.

Daniel Thompson – President, Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas
“It’s obvious that such a cantankerous, um, philosophical position is diametrically or opposite to that which the government promotes, right? Because we expect a very labor-friendly relationship, and what is being demonstrated here is not that.”

Philip Knowles – Student Advocate, BTVI
“I’ve been pushing for student activities such as basketball, uh, volleyball, gaming, clubs, all those initiatives to bring the campus life here to be as a college similar to what UB has. Um, fighting that fight, um, pushing that initiative, I’ve been victimized, and they’ve been trying to silence my voice.”

Following that protest this morning, we attempted to speak with the university’s president for a response, but we were told she was in a meeting.