SINCE the abrupt closure of Toucan Connection, the St Kitts-based company in August, the 15 workers who were dismissed, are still to be paid their severance package.To date, 63 of the former employees were paid off, but the 15 have not been given any explanation as to why they have not been paid.
According to Social Protection Ministry Public Relations Officer Terrence Esseboom, the Ministry has taken up the issue. Officials from the company have since gone back to St Lucia but the Ministry is contemplating a diplomatic solution by engaging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the matter.
Esseboom said that four of the 15 workers who were not paid have been contacted and they have all expressed their disappointment.
Onika Paddy, who was in the employ of the company for four years, told the Guyana Chronicle that she feels very disappointed about not being paid since she was assured payment by her former employers.
The woman said it is very unfair that some persons were given payment while others were not, and to date, she has not been given any definite answer as to when she will be given her severance package.
Mrs Paddy noted that that even though she became employed recently, the abrupt closure of the company dealt her a great financial blow as she had several financial obligations.
“It really affected me because I had a lot of bills to pay and I am now in a lot of debts and I will have to catch up to offset those deaths.
Minister in the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Patterson, has revealed to this publication that several investors have expressed interest in establishing a company at the building which had housed Toucan Connection.
She said those investors will give the former employees first preference when seeking a work force. The majority of workers were young women and were deeply affected by the company’s decision to close its operations.