I AM profoundly disturbed by the high staff turnover at a supposedly reputable private sector organisation in this country – Grace Kennedy Remittance Services (GUY) Ltd. and call for the removal of the Country Manager. The Country Manager (name withheld) continues to demonstrate a draconian style of leadership which is creating distasteful work experiences for many within the employ of that company.

The issue of high staff turnover has been evident in the many vacancies advertised in the press – the last being for a Business Development Officer – a position the company has been unsuccessful in filling since the previous two business development officers called it quits.

Just weeks after the most recent departure, the company has now received two more resignations from the Administrative Assistant and the Marketing Manager. This recent development, for reasons still unknown or maybe just for the sake of being vindictive, has seen the Marketing Manager who should now have been in the process of working through her two months’ notice being asked to immediately down tools and leave.

This is someone who served the company for six years with no trace of breaching company policy, ethics or any other matter that warrants such callous treatment.

While much can be said as to why this senior manager was treated the way she was, it is known that the current leadership has adopted a callous attitude and is well known for such attitude towards subordinates and staff. Unfortunately, Agents are also being subjected to the same kind of abuse and are being forced to quit one after the other.

The statistics will show that many have “walked,” not only for better working conditions, but for simple peace of mind. The history of Grace Kennedy is a rich one, and as such, should not be compromised by this draconian style of leadership.

Mr. Editor, in feeling compelled to save a company that has recorded 93 years of celebrated achievements; I do believe that the Country Manager should do the right thing and submit her resignation. She is a dismal failure to that organisation.

I do hope that the superiors in Jamaica would take heed and ensure that the local management be given marching orders.

NAME WITHHELD
(by request)