Just over a week ago, a longshoreman had tested positive for covid 19 at the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority causing several employees of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority during contact tracing be placed on self-isolation.
The Port on the weekend was dealt a severe blow once again from the deadly virus, when top Executive of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority were asked to self-isolate, after a member of the Ports Management team tested positive for Covid-19.
Port Manager Darwin Telemaque reported to both Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Port Chair, Senator Mary Clair Hurst of the development at the Port after been informed by Ministry of Health Officials on the weekend.
This would be the first time in the history of the Port where all of its top Executive Management ranging from the Port Manager to the Operations Manager is away from their desk at the same time.
Trumpet News understands that there are now two employees and an Executive Manager who test positive for the Covid-19 virus employed by the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority.
This situation has caused Port Management to huddle with Supervisors and Union Officials on the weekend to formulate plans to allow for the Port to continue operations during the period of absence by the Senior Executives.
It is reported that the Union is insisting that all employees at the Port, should now be tested for the virus to ensure that there is no asymptomatic employee, who could still be shredding the virus to others on the Port.
It was just last week that the Cabinet announce a list of front-line workers to receive testing for Covid-19, but the Port Authority was not amongst that list. Union and Port Officials are expected to continue dialogue today as they seek an audience with the Ministry of Health Officials to find an amicable solution on the way forward on the issue of testing employees at the Statutory Institution.
