By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

MONTHS after this year’s Independence celebrations, several government workers say they are still awaiting overtime pay and are now demanding compensation, especially as the holiday season nears.

The Ministry of Works employees, speaking anonymously to The Tribune for fear of victimisation, said their requests for answers have been met with delays and vague responses.

They claim some are owed hundreds of dollars and others more for hours of overtime worked in the lead-up to the annual celebration, which typically include multiple elaborate events culminating in an ecumenical service and cultural show.

“All these years, we were doing overtime for independence and now, we are not getting the funds,” one worker told The Tribune yesterday. “When we call one lady, she call someone from finance but we want to know, why are we not paid for our overtime during the independence.”

The workers, who are employed under the Ministry of Works’ Ceremonial Department and handle tasks such as installing poles and other event-related duties, said this is the first time they have experienced such a delay.

They added that, as recently as yesterday, they were still being assigned tasks like installing poles for today despite not having been paid.

Many say the additional payments will provide welcome support, especially as the holiday season approaches.

“Last time, they had an independence committee pay us but I don’t know who in charge of paying us now,” one worker said. "Why this year they stopped this programme? And we done say next year, it ain’t gone happen. No more overtime.”

Leslia Miller-Brice, chair of the Bahamas Independence Secretariat, yesterday acknowledged the workers’ concerns but said the issue is being addressed and that payments will soon be processed.

She said 95 percent of vendors had already been paid and her team is now working to ensure that the dedicated staff from various ministries who supported the celebrations receive their overtime compensation.

She said: “We truly appreciate all team members and vendors whose hard work, commitment, and contributions supported our nation’s Independence celebrations. They made The Bahamas proud, and we remain committed to ensuring that everyone is compensated as agreed and submitted. Overtime payments are being completed.”

“We thank everyone for their patience and understanding, and we will continue to assess and strengthen our processes to support more timely communication and efficiency.”

Meanwhile, officials have yet to reveal the total cost of The Bahamas’ 52nd Independence celebrations.