The Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) has expressed disappointment with media reports of the results of the Urban Development Corporation’s audit into operations at Dunn’s River Falls and Park in St. Ann.
In a release issued today (Jan 3) Vice President of the BITU Rudolph Thomas said it was irresponsible to present the alleged theft as a generalization of Dunn’s River workers without certain facts being shared.
Mr. Thomas adds that as a result of what he describes as the skewed coverage, workers are being targeted and treated as thieves as they go about their lives and commute to work.
The union has rejected what it calls the generalized allegations of corruption.
Chief union delegate with the Bustamente Industrial Trade Union Raphael Walker says staff morale is low.
Workers upset about the media reports, this morning protested for about two hours, resulting in scores of visitors being turned back.
Normality was returned to the attraction this afternoon ahead of a 4 o’clock meeting that was scheduled between the management of Dunn’s River and union delegates.
And dozens of tourists were disappointed this morning, when they turned-up at the world famous Dunn’s River Falls and Park in St. Ann, and were not allowed in.
Workers at Dunn’s River reportedly refused entry to tourists, who turned up at the attraction, from as early as 8:15 this morning.
The employees stopped working, upset over media reports on the recently released audit, on the operations of the attraction.
The audit among other things, found insufficient documentation to substantiate the amount of money flowing to government coffers from ticket sales, enabling misappropriation, and abuse of assets.
A Jamaican who lives overseas, Nadine Muschett, was refused entrance to the attraction and expressed her frustration at this morning’s state of affairs.
In the meantime, an American tourist, who gave her name as Jessica, expressed disappointment over the lack of communication from management.
She noted that this was her second day visiting the falls, after being unable to enter yesterday, due to large crowds.