Alan Roffey Androgroup CEO

By Kevin Shereves
Kevin@caymannetnews.com

Eighty-eight workmen from sub-contractors Caribbean Mechanical (High Schools 2008), an associate company of Androgroup, have been laid off following a seven-day notice period after a work stoppage at the Clifton Hunter and John Gray High Schools.

Main contractors, Tom Jones International, last week halted construction at both the Clifton Hunter and John Gray High School construction sites, on Friday, 13 November, reportedly citing a lack of sufficient government funding.

Alan Roffey, CEO Androgroup, confirmed that most of the workers have now been laid off.

“Initially, we had a labour force of about 160 workmen, but we had had to lay off about 88 people because of the work stoppage at the Clifton Hunter and John Gray school sites.

We have had to let go 88 people following the notice period. Those workers include Caymanians and expatriate workers. We have laid off electricians, plumbers, sheet metal workers, insulators and our mechanical staff.”

He added, “The layoff notice period ended Thursday, 19 November. Most of those who were given notices have now been laid off, but we have extended the notice period for a few others.”

Mr Roffey also noted that many expat workers will have to leave the Islands in a few days if work does not resume.

“Our workmen were all medium to highly – skilled employees. Some of them are now making preparations to return to Canada, the United States, Mexico, Jamaica and the Philippines,” noted. “Surely, this is not going to be good for the local economy.”

Mr Roffey said that during the work stoppage, his employees were kept busy removing tools and equipment from the job site.

The Androgroup CEO said he was looking for a definite decision from the Ministry.

“The Ministry has to make a decision, either get back to work or terminate the contract with the existing contractor. Right now we are in a holding pattern. All sub-contractors want the Government to make a decision.

He noted, however, that the best possible outcome for us is that we are able to get back to work as soon as possible.

“It is going to be an anxious weekend for our employees because they are not earning any money,”Mr Roffey explained.

“There is a great deal of anxiety because they are worrying about the upcoming Christmas holidays and about being able to provide for their families,” he said.

Hundreds more stand to lose their jobs as a direct result of the ongoing dispute between Tom Jones International and the government.

Meanwhile, Cayman Net News has also learnt that the Ministry of Education had a multi-million dollar cheque made available to Tom Jones International, but the cheque was never collected.

TJI spokesperson, David Legge confirmed that there was such a cheque, but noted that in exchange for releasing it, the Ministry demanded that Tom Jones International make a number of concessions.

Though he would not disclose details, Mr Legge noted that these concessions were unacceptable and would have diluted the commpany’s rights under the original contract it signed with Government.