Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke is strongly refuting claims by the Police Federation, that he has closed the doors on the negotiation process for the 2017-2019 contract period.

Yesterday, the Police Federation said it was told by the ministry, that Dr. Clarke will be unable to accede to a request to continue the negotiation process in good faith.

In a statement today (Sep 4) Dr. Clarke said the Federation’s claim is a misrepresentation of the communication between the ministry and the police group.

Dr. Clarke said in response to the federation’s request in a letter, dated July 31, for an urgent meeting during the week commencing August 6, the ministry advised that it was unable to convene a meeting within the time requested.

The ministry also stated that it would communicate a date for the continuation of the discussions at the earliest possible time.

Dr. Clarke said it’s unfortunate that this has been misinterpreted as it is the ministry’s stated position to continue the negotiations.

He sought to assure the police federation that he will meet with the group, subsequent to his return to the island tomorrow, with a view to moving the negotiation process forward.

Dr. Clarke is attending the sixth special meeting of the council for finance and planning in Barbados.