On Tuesday July 3 2007,
over 200 Indian workers, employed by Carillion
Construction, a firm contracted by The Kor Group
on the Viceroy Resorts and Residences in Anguilla, resumed
their strike in dramatic manner. The group protesting,
several labour issues outlined in a
June 26-27 strike action
and a lack of action thereafter, marched single file from
the project in West End to the Valley with the support of
many Anguillians. While the protest remained peaceful it was
not without significant incidents. According to reports
Police Officers, halted the protestors shortly after they
got started which precipitated a number of Anguillians
gathering on the scene to lend their support to the
protestors.
While details remain illusive, subsequent altercations
between the local supporters and the police resulted
in two Anguillians, activist Mr. Percy Thomas and entrepreneur
Mr. Quincy Gumbs of Fair Play Group of Companies being
arrested, charged with offences and subsequently released.
Mr Thomas was charged with Inciting Protest while Mr. Gumbs
was charged with offences related to Breach of Peace,
Incitement and Obstructing the Police. Mr. Gumbs was
released on $5000.00 bail. A third person, Mr. Dwayne Duncan
was briefly detained allegedly in a manner which left many onlookers
alleging abuse.
The Indian labourers made their way to the Valley and
congregated on the premises of a building under construction
and owned by Mr. Emmanuel Webster.
By mid-morning the Chief Minister had called in to Heart
Beat Radio and reported that he was working diligently on a
solution to the matter. He stated that he was in negotiations (all parties not
identified) and that there was some movement in a
positive direction.
By early afternoon the Chief Minister released a statement
which read in part :
"It has become necessary for me to address you on a matter
of national urgency that if not dealt with responsibly
threatens to destabilize our country. The current atmosphere
of animosity on Anguilla does nobody any good, not even
those who indicate that they are representing Indian workers
contracted by Carillion."
(Full Speech)
Late in the day Anguillian supporters led
the protestors to the lawn in front of the Chief Minister's
Office.
Following discussions with Carillion and the
Government, Attorney's representing the Indian workers
communicated a new proposal from Carillion which was
summarily refused. The options as outlined were:
- Increase all wages by $100 - For workers who
accepted this offer they would
agree to abstain from future protests
- Repatriation would be offered to any worker who
wished it
- Re-employment in Dubai
under Dubai wage rates for those who wished it.
Shortly after 7:00pm the attorney's re-emerged
from the Chief Minister's Office in discussions with Viceroy
and Carillion and presented the much improved offer which
they clearly stated was achieved with the full support of
the Chief Minister and Ministers.
Revised Offer
Workers paid $180.00 increased to $360.00
Workers paid $250.00 increased to $500.00
Workers paid $350.00 increased to $700.00
Workers paid $400.00 increased to $800.00
Mr. Fleming subsequently addressed the crowd in a brief
message affirming the previous statement that a resolution
to the wage dispute had been achieved.
According to reliable sources, the agreement
is not retroactive and payments will begin from July 1, 2007.
It was not clear that the agreement had been unanimously
accepted by the workers though there did appear to be majority support.
Attorneys speaking to the crowd, thanked the public for
their commitment and restraint in maintaining a peaceful
protest, they went further to declare their effort as 100%
successful.
Workers were subsequently transferred back to the Viceroy
project.
Note: The four local Attorneys working on the matter were, Mrs Lolita Davis Richardson,
Mrs Josephine Gumbs Connor, Mrs Joyce Kentish Eagan and Miss Paulette Harrigan.
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