By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance (DNA) candidate for Pineridge Leslie Lightbourne, a veteran trade unionist, said the party if elected will ensure the implementation of an Ombudsman to represent the interest of the public.

He said that there is need for an appointed entity or body with a degree of independence to investigate and address complaints of maladministration, violation of rights, nepotism and discrimination on a national level.

In July, Mr Lightbourne was ratified as the DNA candidate for Pineridge in Grand Bahama. As a local trade unionist for more than 10 years, he feels that successive governments have failed to protect the rights of workers and has acted as a foe to labour unions. 

 “I cry shame on every government official who would have played a role in the take down of unions (in this country),” he said in a statement on Thursday.

The Pineridge candidate believes that the hotel industry and the tourism sector are under attack. He noted that the loss of 600 jobs at the Sandals Royal Bahamian resort in Nassau and alleged oppressive labour conditions at Memories Hotel in Grand Bahama are evidence of a failing hotel industry.

Mr Lightbourne said that the 2017 general elections may be the last chance to restore labour freedom to the Bahamian people. He said that the DNA supports Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the mediation of labour disputes between employers and unions.

He called on all union leaders of the Trade Union Congress and National Congress of Trade Unions to unite.