Bahamas News
Bahamasair Execs say Flight Attendants sick out is “illegal”; COI Leader calls on Government to pay the Staff
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
The Bahamas, December 18, 2024 – A heated row over incremental payments when salaries of AAAWU members were raised between 2018 and 2023 has led to a major inconvenience to travellers on the national flag carrier, at least six flights were listed as cancelled due to an employee sick-out.
While Bahamasair executives, in correspondence obtained by Magnetic Media, have defended their position that every penny owed to the members engaged in the sick-out was paid, the Union leaders are adamant that monies remain outstanding and members want what is fully due to them.
It has moved from a row behind closed doors to an impasse which has now impacted public travel to destinations serviced by Bahamasair including Freeport, Grand Bahama; Ft Lauderdale, Florida; Rock Sound, Eleuthera and Marsh Harbour, Abaco.
In a statement from Bahamasair, the travelling public was told: “We regret to inform you that all afternoon flights scheduled for December 18, 2024, have been cancelled due to ongoing industrial action by Airport Airline & Allied Workers Union. We deeply apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and sincerely empathize with the disruption to your travel plans.”
The fiasco has ignited heated social media commentary and has elicited reaction from Lincoln Bain, leader of the Coalition for Independents (a political party in The Bahamas).
“The Bahamasair union has decided to hold a sickout. This has adversely affected my travel plans. That said, I SUPPORT THE ACTIONS OF THE BAHAMAS AIR WORKERS WHOLEHEARTEDLY. The government increased the PM’s record breaking travel budget but refuses to
pay the Bahamasair staff what is owed and due to them,” Bain chastised the government for its management of the country’s airline, “They can find the money to fly first class around the world eating steak and caviar but refuse pay the staff. The Government spent $1,500,000 on a trip to London for Brave and Pintard but can’t pay the Bahamasair staff! Stand your ground staff! They always have money for them but never have money when it comes to the Bahamian workers.”
“I can assure you that the politically appointed executives get their money on time. I am tired of Bahamians being treated like last class citizens in this country. Stand your ground Team Bahamasair. Either that money will go to you or it will go to more first class flights for the Politicians.”
Media reports indicate that 12 of 16 flight attendants assigned to the morning shift called in sick, in a move that “significantly impacted airline operations.”
Bahamasair believes the union is being unreasonable, calling the agreement struck two years ago “a very good one for the AAAWU.”
The document explains there was an 11.5% salary increase, four increments were added to salary for each year except 2020 and a lump sum payment was designated to cover the Covid year, 2020.
It was explained, in order to catch up on the payments as the contract was signed with only seven months remaining in the year, there were accelerated payments. Bahamasair itemises them as November 18, 2022; March 2, 2023; June 3, 2023 and July 4, 2023.
With the payments made, Bahamasair says that they closed the matter.
For the AAAWU however, there still remains some funds unpaid and members are unflinching on the point that they are owed six incremental payments. It is unclear why the two entities have recorded such a difference in accounting.
It was also explained that the Labour Department has mediated negotiations and a final offer by Bahamasair to end the dispute was proposed. The claim by the AAAWU was for six more incremental payments to be made to the staff in question; Bahamasair countered with an offer for two payments.
The correspondence from Bahamasair informed that there was no further communication from the union and the action taken on December 18 was described as, “surprising and not in the interest of good relationship. Management is demanding that all staff return to work as this in an illegal action by the union.”
We have not been able, up to publication time, to access comments from the AAAWU.
To customers of the airline, Bahamasair advised this: For further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Customer Care Center at 242-702-4140 or our Customer Relations team at 242-702-4159.
The Bahamas, September 10, 2025 – Rescue swimmers from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Aviation Training Center in
Mobile, Alabama visited Nassau to train Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) and Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) members in water survival skills as part of Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) earlier this week.
“Training alongside our USCG partners ensures our personnel are best prepared for the unique challenges of joint operations” said Superintendent Wendy Pearson, Commander Drug Enforcement Unit.
The multi-day exercise, centered on the USCG’s Shallow Water Egress Training (SWET), enhanced the safety and preparedness of Bahamian partners who routinely operate aboard USCG helicopters during OPBAT missions. The exercise provided hands-on instruction for 31 participants and strengthened interoperability between U.S. and Bahamian agencies engaged in counter-drug, search and rescue, and maritime security operations throughout the region.
“We were excited and proud to have the opportunity to share our expertise with our Bahamian partners. Not only did RBDF and RBPF
perform exceptionally well, they exceeded the standards we set for the event,” said Petty Officer Second Class Cole Johnson, USCG.
OPBAT is a cooperative multi-agency international operation supporting The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands to stop illicit drug smuggling through the region. U.S. Embassy Nassau Chargé d’affaires Kimberly Furnish stated, “Since 1982, OPBAT has worked to stop the flow of illicit narcotics through the Caribbean, destined for the United States or other jurisdictions. This is international cooperation at its best.”
Bahamas News
Department of Gender Affairs Congratulates Rev. Clare Robinson on Historic Induction as First Female President/Bishop of BTCI Conference of The Methodist Church
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 4 September 2025 — The Department of Gender Affairs, within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Transportation, extends heartfelt congratulations to Reverend Clare Robinson on her historic achievement of becoming the first woman in 213 years to be inducted as President/Bishop of the Bahamas Turks & Caicos Islands Conference (BTCI) of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA); a Momentous Occasion in the History of Gender Equality.
The Department of Gender Affairs proudly celebrates this moment of progress and inspiration, recognising Reverend Clare Robinson as a beacon of faith and leadership for generations to come. Reverend Robinson’s induction is a monumental triumph for women in leadership, for the Church, and for society as a whole. Her trailblazing journey affirms the limitless potential of women to lead with wisdom, faith, and courage.
The induction service will be held at Wesley Methodist Church, Malcolm Road, Nassau, The Bahamas, in a landmark ceremony led by Reverend Ron Juan Simson, Connectional President of the MCCA. Joining in this historic occasion will be a high-level delegation from the Turks & Caicos Islands, underscoring the regional significance of this milestone and the unity of our Methodist community across the Caribbean and the Americas.
Born in South Caicos and raised in Grand Turk, Reverend Robinson is no stranger to breaking barriers. She is the first female itinerant
presbyter and the first female superintendent minister of both the North and South Turks & Caicos Islands circuits. Answering God’s call to full-time ministry in 2005, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology (First Class Honours) from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Divinity, before serving faithfully within the MCCA. She will now lead 37 Methodist congregations across The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands.
Reverend Robinson has been married to Mr. Irvin Robinson for 34 years, and together they are the proud parents of one daughter, Charnelle Robinson. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Robinson family for their unwavering support and understanding, which has been instrumental in Reverend Robinson’s journey and her ability to serve the Church and the community.
In celebrating this milestone, the Hon. Shaun David Malcolm MP, Minister of Home Affairs remarked:
“Today, we celebrate a truly historic achievement in the life of the Church and in the advancement of gender equality across our region. The induction of Reverend Clare Robinson as the first female President/Bishop of the Bahamas Turks & Caicos Islands Conference of the Methodist Church after 213 years, stands as a powerful testament to faith, perseverance, and the limitless potential of women in leadership. On behalf of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs & Transport and in particular, the Department of Gender Affairs, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Reverend Robinson on this remarkable accomplishment. Her elevation to this sacred office affirms God’s call on her life and inspires every woman and girl to know that their gifts, talents, and service are vital to nation-building and the advancement of God’s Kingdom.”
We are confident that Reverend Robinson’s leadership will strengthen the spiritual and moral fabric of our communities, as Minister responsible for Religious Affairs it is not only our responsibility but our obligation, to pledge and support as she embarks on this historic journey. May God grant her wisdom, courage, and grace as she fulfils this divine calling.
Mrs. Carolyn Dickenson, Director of gender Affairs, stated that “Reverend Robinson stands as living proof that faith knows no gender and leadership knows no bounds. Her induction is not just history, it is prophecy fulfilled. Her journey is a beacon of hope, not only for women of faith but for every woman who has ever been told her place was limited. Today, the glass ceiling within the Church has been shattered, and the sound of its breaking will echo for generations. This induction is more than a ceremony it is a revolution of possibility. To every girl across the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands who wonders if she is enough, Reverend Robinson’s achievement shouts back: You are more than enough. Let this moment ignite dreams, stir courage, and remind us all that when women rise, communities rise, nations rise, and the Kingdom of God is strengthened. This is just the beginning of a brighter future.
Additionally, the officers and members of the Women in Development and Women in Sports, extends heartfelt congratulations to Rev. Clare on this historic milestone. Your achievement is not only a personal triumph but also an inspiration to women everywhere who strive to lead, to serve, and to break new ground.
The Department of Gender Affairs stands proudly with Reverend Robinson, pledging to continue championing equality, empowerment, and leadership for all women and girls.
Congratulations Rev. Clare.
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