‘I cannot say there was a sickout’ of airport staff – Kurt A.G. Menal
Mr Menal was at the time speaking during a press conference this morning, July 27, 2023, on the matter of the two recent closures at the airport.
“I cannot say it was a sickout, or industrial action because the reason for closing is because of not being able to meet the regulatory requirements for staffing,” he added.
He said staff compliment is guided by regulations that resulted in the closure of airports after those requirements were not met, although both Firemen and Air Traffic Controllers reportedly took industrial action in separate instances.
Airport close twice in recent months
On July 17, 2023, sources within the BVIAA confirmed that following some internal industrial action by firefighters attached to the T.B. Lettsome International Airport, the main airport along with the airport on Virgin Gorda and Anegada was forced to close.
Sources told our newsroom that the airports close after fire service officers attached to the main T.B. Lettsome Airport reported to work; however, all reportedly took ill at the same time and went home.
In May 2023, sources at the BVIAA told our new center that air traffic controllers again industrial actions, forcing the airport to close, Friday, May 26, 2023.
At the time the reason was unclear, however, Mr Menal today confirmed that the staff was sick as well. Those familiar with the issues told our newsroom that the matter was surrounding pay and shortage of staff.
BVIAA working to increase staff
Mr Menal while not admitting to staff taking industrial action said the authority is working to increase the complement of staff, particularly the air traffic controllers to a total of 12 from 8 staff currently employed.
He said there are other requirements for larger jets as it pertains to the staff complement for firefighters.
“It’s not a situation that the airport was not aware of and was not addressing, we were actively addressing it for many months now ever prior to the appointment of this board,” he said as it related to addressing staffing woes.
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13 Responses to “ ‘I cannot say there was a sickout’ of airport staff – Kurt A.G. Menal”
You can’t say, well I'll say it for you! It was a sick out and you have failed the country by constantly undermining the staff and hiding behind no money to do anything. The Govt need to bring back Coy Levons and get this man out, my fire salary is s**t from what I here town making.
Thanks VINO
Undermining and backstabbing began, Tears apart the friendships' plan. From three, they dwindled to just two, One betraying, power to pursue.
With pressure mounting, tensions soared, The mean red lady, her bag she hoard. Queen-like, she made him run, The power struggle far from done.
Then entered a man from St. Lucia's shore, Airport knowledge and passion he bore. Fired up, he spoke of changes vast, But the BVI's culture proved too vast.
Amidst the chaos, a funny scene unfolds, A poem of humour, the story retold:
"Piggy wants power, the bulldog goes wild, A melting pot, emotions riled. Money on the mind, focus lost, Yet a few staff's care, but at what cost?
The BVIAA, a boiling pot, Strikes and clashes, tangled plot. But amidst the laughter, we see the game, A funny dance, no one to blame.
For in the end, we learn a tale, of humans flawed, their spirits frail. Yet hope remains, the sun will rise, A chance for unity, in each other's eyes.
Let's laugh at ourselves, our quirky ways, Embrace the madness, brighter days. With humour and grace, we'll find our peace, In this chaotic airport, let conflicts cease."