Cuffie: We couldn’t afford $8M for GHRS

While a decision to close GHRS was taken on Thursday at Cabinet, Cuffie conceded he should have told staff beforehand and apologised for how the news was conveyed to staff.

“It was a hard decision to make and although it was only announced yesterday (Thursday) it was something we had been considering. I’d been speaking to your Chairman over that time to see how best we can make this work, if at all,” Cuffie said as he met with staff to hear their concerns.

Glum news from the Central Bank’s recent First Quarter Report — of further drops in the economy and public revenues — led to the closure decision. Cuffie urged employees to take advantage of the National Employment Service offered by the Ministry of Labour. He also promised to enact a system to help employees through this difficult period.

Cuffie added that GHRS employed some of the brightest minds so he is confident they would not remain unemployed for long.

GHRS chairman Avalaughn Huggins told staff they will be paid a gratuity, as the separation was initiated by the employer (Government).

Deputy CEO and VP (Corporate Planning) Geoffrey Lewis, invited employees to share their concerns with him via email or face-to-face.