By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) president Paul Maynard yesterday suggested that Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) bring former employees back on contracts until they can be adequately replaced, telling this newspaper: "I'm tired of my members being demoralised".

Paul Maynard told Tribune Business following the appointment of the new BPL Board: "The prime minister's prerogative is his prerogative. He can appoint who he wants. I am just concerned about my members. In all of this re-organisation, I just want to see my members get what they are supposed to get. BPL bringing in people over them was my main concern. I don't have time to second guess the prime minister. I'm not into the politics. I'm just tired of my members being demoralised. We want justice."

The appointment of a new board of directors was announced on Friday.

Of the six posts vacated on Tuesday, board member Ferron Bethell has retained his post. The board consists of chairman: Dr Donovan Moxey; deputy chairman Stephen Holowesko, James Moss, Debra Wood, Ferron Bethell, and Viana Gardiner.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Bannister explained the nation's electricity provider needed new leadership because the former board was "locked" in dispute on every critical issue at great cost to the company.

"We just want to see things done right," said Mr Maynard.

"They said the VSEPs were to save money. You need not bring in consultants and pay them these big salaries. That is abuse of the system. They should bring back on contract the people who left until they can be replaced. The new board has their mandate but as I have continuously said, in order for BPL to improve you have to change the fuel and upgrade the transmission and distribution system."