The dismissal of former Carib-bean Airlines CEO Capt Ian Brunton appears to have been done with callous disregard for natural law, due process and proper industrial relations practices. Even if the employment contract provides for prompt dismissal, this would only be possible in certain circumstances and would require certain processes to be followed. Instantaneous and summary dismissal would probably apply in very drastic circumstances. No such circumstances appear to have arisen, no processes were followed from the available facts. This looks very bad for the People's Partnership Government which professes to represent and embody the opposite values.
What is worse is that Brunton has an illustrious career spanning approximately four decades and piloted a critically needed turn-around of CAL's financial position, and the situation appears to have stemmed from a mere difference of opinion among the players. That the line minister was treated with disrespect by the board which did not inform him of its intentions in such an important matter is inexcusable and beyond comprehension. Why did it have to come to this? Why did the board feel it had to act in such a high-handed and arrogant manner? Brunton seems to have a solid case as it does not even appear that the proper steps were followed by the George Nicholas board in arriving at its decision. Not even a retroactive ratification of the decision by the board can cure this situation.
The only real cure is to reinstate Brunton, for everyone to put this affair behind them and, without prejudice or malice, try to work together. There needs to be an early reconciliation of the positions of the board, the Cabinet and the minister. Certainly the tail cannot wag the dog and the board must conform to the policy direction of the Cabinet and the minister. If the board won't change its mind then Cabinet will have to either change the board or change its position in order to resolve this matter. Either way, the Government will have to endure some collateral damage but the board and its chairman must be mature and responsible to accept this burden which has been brought on by its conduct.
Phulmattee Ramsewak
Sangre Grande