Latest airport closure due to sickout staged by fire officers?
It appears the recent abrupt closure of the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island occurred after fire officers staged a sick out to protest their unsatisfactory working conditions.
Yesterday, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley released a statement explaining why the airport was abruptly closed on Monday, July 17. He said this “was a result of a number of them (fire officers) reporting that they were ill.”
The Premier said airport officials took swift action and temporarily summoned eight fire officers from Anegada and Virgin Gorda thereafter. Their arrival allowed the airport to be reopened later that day.
However, the Premier said he recognised that the unplanned temporary closure affected many travellers and gave his word that he will take steps to ensure the situation never happens again.
“The closing of the airport led to a great deal of disruption resulting in persons being stranded at the airport with no money for hotels, persons missing meetings and important events and other challenges known and unknown,” Premier Wheatley stated. “I sincerely apologise to the traveling public and all others for this disruption. I want to assure the public that I recognise the seriousness of this occurrence and I’m committed to ensuring it does not repeat itself.”
Problems that caused the sick out
Based on the Premier’s statement, there seems to be evidence that suggests that the fire officers were not satisfied with their working conditions, communication from management, among other things.
The Premier said these issues were discussed at a meeting with airport officials and it was agreed that the problems of the fire officers would be addressed. Once the fire officers were told of the promises, they went back to work the following day.
“I have confidence that there is a clear path forward to addressing the concerns that were raised. Myself and the minister responsible for the subject are monitoring the situation closely and Cabinet will be kept fully abreast,” Premier Wheatley explained.
This week’s closure of the airport marked the third reported instance of the facility being shuttered in recent weeks. It follows the start of direct American Airlines flights between the BVI and the US mainland.
Residents continue to keep a watchful eye on the airport to see how these incidents may affect the territory’s chances of attracting more direct flights from other airlines.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
23 firemen were paid increments of 300 thou added together…They were paid by cheques on the same day of the so called sick out.
Why all these lies?
Natalio is giving a lot of promises once again.
I am wondering when he will actually take some action.
Notable Events Weather and Sports is news.
Old news is something or someone not new or exciting anymore like this article.
You employs an MD to managed and you are the subject of two closures for administrative issues at the airport. Time will tell.
I was one of the passengers effected and I can tell you it was very stressful for the passengers. Many of us were trying to make it to San Juan from other islands to try to get home in the US due to cancelations and no way to get home for days. So we were already stressed when this happened. I support the people of the BVI and your fight for better working conditions but I hope things can be resolved without such an abrupt event like occurred as it caused a lot of issues and confusion. I still hope to make it back to the BVI at some point as I like the nation. I’ve only been to Tortola and Beef Island so far.
This act and practice is ridiculous. This is not giving a good outlook of the country to the outside world and affected passengers.
The government to take steps to prevent this kind of mishap caused by the disgruntled group of people. attitude
BVI, start waving goodbye to the direct Miami flights