UPHEAVAL AT VCBIA – TOP STAFF SUSPENDED

UPDATE Friday May 10, 2019 1:30pm ON DEVELOPING STORY:

Stanley Smith resigned within 20 minutes of being suspended from his post as Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority. That’s according to an impeccable source, who has told ABS news Smith’s suspension was necessary to facilitate an investigation into an ongoing matter. Our source says he had been suspended with full pay and was to return to work on the 7th of June.

However, workers have taken industrial action, insisting he and the Human Resource Manager be re-instated immediately. In the meantime, officials of the Civil Aviation Ministry and ABAA are hunkered down in meetings to minimize the impact of the strike on airport operations.

The industrial relations climate at the airport has become fraught in recent weeks, as the union representing workers has called for the release of an audit which had been carried out. The workers say the findings have implications for increases in their remuneration.

UPDATED – 1:00PM Friday May 10, 2019

STANLEY SMITH RESIGNS AS ABAA CEO

Stanley Smith has resigned as Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority, ABAA. The confirmation has come from Civil Aviation Minister, the Hon. Sir Robin Yearwood. However, the reason for his resignation is not clear. His decision comes after he along with the Human Resource Manager were suspended pending an investigation.

Employees have since gone on strike, in solidarity with the CEO and HR Manager and are demanding they be immediately re-instated. Airport operations have been affected and crucial meetings are now being held on the matter.

More details to follow.

INITIAL STORY

The CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority and the Director of Human Resources Forsianne Joseph have been suspended. The Board of Director, Minister with responsibility for Aviation – the Hon. Sir Robin Yearwood along the Permanent Secretary are presently meeting.

While all of the details are not available ABS cab confirm that the CEO has tendered his resignation with immediate effect.

This is a developing story which we will continue to follow and to update as more information comes to hand.