By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE managing director of the Antiquities, Monuments & Museum Corporation (AMMC), Don Cornish, has denied allegations that staff are working in a toxic environment under his leadership.

His defence comes after a protest staged by AMMC employees last month, during which demonstrators, supported by Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU) President Mr Kimsley Ferguson, demanded Mr Cornish’s removal, accusing him of ignoring staff concerns and contributing to an unhappy workplace culture.

At one point, protesting employees chanted: “Cornish got to go,” a slogan that reflected the growing discontent among the workforce.

Mr Ferguson, who represents AMMC staff, said the union had received complaints about poor treatment. He described workers as “oppressed” and in a “depressive state”. Two employees also alleged they were placed on leave without explanation. Mr Ferguson claimed the union had sent letters and made several calls to address the concerns but received no response.

Mr Ferguson told reporters during the protest that staff were “walking eggshells” while on the job.

In response, Mr Cornish said no employee has directly approached him with a complaint and insisted that proper grievance procedures are in place.

“There was no avoidance of the issue. And there’s a process in the industrial agreement which was followed,” he told reporters yesterday on the sidelines of an event.

He said he cannot respond to concerns raised anonymously through the media.

“I can’t go based on what they tell a news reporter. I wasn’t present. I don’t know who those individuals are. But if they are willing to express that in writing, then we can address it,” he said.

He added that a union representative is responsible for handling matters laid out in the industrial agreement and reiterated that his door remains open to all employees.

Despite these assurances, the protest underscored a rift between AMMC leadership and staff over Mr Cornish’s management style.