After reported sickout, air traffic controllers honoured
Months after an alleged sickout by air traffic controllers at the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport, the workers were recognised for their invaluable contributions to the territory.
A recognition ceremony was held at the Authority’s compound on Beef Island last Friday, which was observed as International Air Traffic Control Day.
Minister of Communications and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer expressed gratitude to the workers and stated that he supports the vital work carried out by the controllers.
“We appreciate the work you do, and the ministry is fully committed to supporting the growth and further development of the air traffic services in the Virgin Islands,” Rymer said.
Acting Director of Operations at the BVI Airports Authority, Darryl Flanders, joined in celebrating the Air Traffic Controllers and acknowledged their unwavering dedication to their work. “We celebrate you. We truly appreciate you for all that you do as air traffic services are crucial to our operations. I cannot thank you enough for your dedication to keeping our aerodromes safe and coordinated,” he said.
Corporate Administrator Drusilla Fahie thanked the Air Traffic Controllers on behalf of the Chairman of the Board of Directors for their stellar contributions to the Authority.
She said, “You Air Traffic Controllers are our unsung heroes. You are not often seen, but your effects on our operations are seen, heard and felt loudly. We are, simply because of you, and we thank you”. Fahie also praised the controllers for their exemplary service and encouraged them to continue shining in their crucial roles.
The celebration culminated with each Air Traffic Controller receiving a token of appreciation from the BVI Airports Authority in recognition of their outstanding contributions and commitment.
In May, air traffic controllers caused major disruptions at the territory’s main airports after they refused to work due to some unmet demands they had. Government authorities rebuffed claims that the workers were on strike and instead claimed the disruptions were caused due to inadequate staff to perform duties on each shift.
Thereafter, officials met with the workers in an effort to address their concerns. However, it is unclear whether the workers’ demands have been met or whether they are still working in the conditions that caused them to be restive a few months ago.
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Honor the ESHS teachers who did the sit in?? or PWD civil servants who regularly don’t show up to work??
They all had a steady income during the 3 years of the pandemic while the majority of BV islanders did not.
Virtual fake world of the BVI government continues.
I hope when other departments threathen to have a sickout, they will be honored also.
Yet again, the BVI lives in its own false reality when it comes to working practices. If the country really wishes to progress, then citizens need to adhere to regular working practices or be left behind by the rest of the world.
Many citizens do work well and with integrity, but too many are allowed by the others to get away with rubbish (just like criminals are not turned in and corruption happens with impunity).
Just smoke and mirrors. No ethics
In the real World, any and all work action by Air Traffic Controllers is a Federal crime. Such work action jeopardizes the safety of the Country and its citizens.
Here on the vi unidentified flying objects
have access to the runways at convenient hours for drug traffic King while law enforcement on the ground feigning surprise for a hot minute and then hushabye.
These are two separate issues. International day of the Air Traffic Controller is observed annually on 20 October. This what was being celebrated, the profession.
This is not connected in any way to the action some months earlier.
We definitely need for responsible journalism in the Territory.
SMH
Cause big n●$e looking for friends, so he rather kiss their rare ends
English mon go home and mind your own business and stop wanting to control other people’s own. Just go in your corner and, put your head down and keep it there.
…this is the first year I am seeing it celebrated in the BVI. Maybe it is just a coincidence