Last Updated on October 10, 2019, 12:35 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Another passionate appeal to Senior Minister and Minister of Labour in the Federal Government, Hon Vance Amory, to deal with the unhealthy situation that employees continue to work under for the past several months in the Department of Labour.
The appeal has come from the St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) candidate for St Christopher 7, Leon Natta-Nelson, who said that although employees of the Department of Labour have tested positive for high levels of mold in their bloodstream, Permanent Secretary, Mr Ron Collins has made no effort to resolve the continuing unhealthy situation.
Evidence has revealed that staff members have tested positive for mold in their blood stream ranging from 18 percent to 52 percent.
“The employees have asked for air quality control testing to be done, new furniture to replace the existing ones and adequate and frequent maintenance of the environs and of the Air Conditioning units, but the Permanent Secretary Ron Collins has refused to adequately deal with those requests,” said Mr Natta-Nelson.
He expressed concern of the stalemate in the Labour Department as it is this very institution that workers whether employed in government institutions or the private sector, go to seek justice for grievances that are taking place in their working environment.
“There are female employees with infants and toddlers and if the inhumane situation continues, it will definitely have a long lasting effect on the health of these persons. It therefore begs the question, what society are we living in?” Natta-Nelson pointed out.
He said another vexing issue is the availability of one restroom for a large number of employees who have to stand in line daily to use the facility.
Natta-Nelson noted that minister Amory and himself recently attended celebrations to mark the 180th anniversary of the Estridge Moravian Church.
“He spoke so eloquently about the church and its purpose. Should we get the Christian Council involved in resolving the conditions at the Labour Department? Should we get the Bar Association to look into it, because it is obvious that permanent secretary Collins is showing an uncaring attitude and no effort is being made to resolve the issues,” the SKNLP candidate said.
“I am calling on the Hon Vance Amory to step in and bring positive resolution to the matter. It is not fair for the employees of the Department of Labour to continue to work and miss work ever so often, because of a mold issue that has been plaguing them for so long. He should speak to his PS or remove him, if that what it will take to resolve the issue,” said Natta-Nelson.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
