By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

LABOUR Minister Shane Gibson yesterday criticised Free National Movement Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest for “challenging the integrity” of Department of Statistics employees after Mr Turnquest called the latest job figures a “mirage.”

Mr Gibson told The Tribune Mr Turnquest’s comments were “despicable”, especially from someone who “wants to be a part of the government one day.”

On Sunday, Mr Turnquest criticised the Department of Statistics’ recent Labour Force and Household Income Survey, calling it a “mirage” that is “no way realistically reflective of what is going on with the country’s economy”.

That survey showed that the country’s national unemployment rate fell by 3.7 per cent, from 15.7 per cent last November to 12 per cent in May. The report provides information on the labour force as it existed during the reference period of April 27 to May 3, 2015.

The report took into account preparatory hiring in connection with the inaugural Junkanoo Carnival, temporary employment for homecoming festivals and hiring by the now stalled Baha Mar resort, which was anticipating an opening in early spring of this year.

Mr Gibson said the department used the same formula they use every year to conduct the survey and Mr Turnquest is “only complaining about it because it is not what he wants it to be.”

“I will not question the Department of Statistics, they use the same formula they always use – they always use the temporary and permanent job figures, this is nothing new.

“So because it is not what he wants, he is challenging the integrity of those professionals and I will not let him do it. When the figures went up, he didn’t say anything but now he is questioning the integrity of the formula not only used in the Bahamas, but also all around the world. Give the people a break man. This is despicable for someone who wants to be a part of the government. The process is the process, the same process that has always been used.”

Mr Gibson also defended the report’s findings that Junkanoo Carnival celebrations contributed to the decrease in the country’s unemployment rate.

“You know how good those persons must have felt to know that they were able to work even if it was temporary?” Mr Gibson asked.

“For that time, they did not have to worry about how they would pay their rent, or light bill or their children’s school fee.

“They were happy they were able to finally pay their bills, why would you have a problem and challenge that?”

During a press conference last Friday, Department of Statistics Director Kelsie Dorsett said that the employment opportunities provided by the “preparatory work” needed for Junkanoo Carnival had a positive impact on the latest unemployment figures. The same is likely true for the IAAF World Relays in May, as well as people hired in the lead up to Baha Mar’s anticipated spring grand opening, she said.

However, Ms Dorsett said it is “likely” that an increase in unemployment would be reflected in the next Labour Force and Household Income Survey in November.

Junkanoo Carnival was held on April 17 and 18 in Grand Bahama and from May 7 to 9 in New Providence.

The survey went on to say that the country’s three major islands – New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco – all experienced decreases in their respective unemployment levels.