By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

CLAIMS that dozens of Bahamian workers have been unfairly terminated at Celebration Key were rejected yesterday by the Department of Labour following an investigation into the matter.

Concerns have circulated for weeks that Grupo Anderson, operator of the food and beverage department at Celebration Key, has been releasing groups of Bahamian workers after only a month on the job. Critics say the swift dismissals destabilise families and betray the promise of job creation on Grand Bahama, particularly for those who left stable positions or returned home to take advantage of the new opportunities. Some have also alleged that workers were initially told probation would last six months and questioned whether foreign staff may be brought in to replace Bahamians.

Community voices have described the situation as “a betrayal of trust,” warning that Grand Bahama residents deserve fair treatment, job security, and genuine investment in their success, not to be treated as expendable.

Labour Executive Manager Quinton Laroda said his department and the Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) unit immediately investigated the complaints, meeting with Grupo Anderson’s head of HR and about 14 managers and supervisors.

“We told them our expectation and that we wanted compliance with labour law,” he told The Tribune yesterday. “We also told them there will be no tolerance for mistreatment of Bahamians. If you speak down to Bahamians or use racially insensitive language, that’s a one-way ticket out of our country. There will be no tolerance for that at all.”

He added that the company employs about 600 people, with only a small number released during its three-month probationary process.

“One of the things that Grupo Anderson have is a probation period of about three months. And within the three months of probation, it’s a test for suitability, and if you don’t meet their company standards, either in aptitude or whatever, they don’t make you permanent and that’s allowable by law,” he said.

The Labour Department concluded most of the complaints were unfounded, though some issues appeared to stem from cultural differences. Mr Laroda said the department will remain vigilant.

“I instructed the team in Grand Bahama to monitor the probationary process, just to make sure it is as fair as possible, and Bahamians get the best situation,” he said.