Wilchcombe Defends Urban Renewal Layoffs

Following concerns over the termination of scores of Urban Renewal employees, Minister of Social Services Obie Wilchcombe says terminations will allow the centers to rebuild, fulfilling the programme’s mission.

Minister of Social Services Obie Wilchcombe is defending layoffs at Urban Renewal centers, asserting many staffers contracts had already expired in early 2021.

He says the centers are now undergoing a restructuring phase and former employees can reapply for positions. Those who were laid off received financial assistance.

On the other hand, opposition leader Michael Pintard had condemned the termination of Urban Renewal staff in Grand Bahama, calling it a “vicious cycle” of removing people when a new government is elected.

Wilchcombe says in December the Davis administration paid out almost $400,000 to 45 workers laid off in 2017.