Letter to the Editor:
Dear Editor,
After noticing several former colleagues from APUA in new uniforms recently, I felt compelled to reach out to a friend still working at the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) to inquire about the current state of affairs within the organization.
As a former employee myself, I write this article not from a place of bitterness, but from a deep concern for the fate of a once-promising institution that, unfortunately, has succumbed to a culture of neglect and disdain for its most valuable asset: its employees. My decision to leave the company was rooted in an unwavering belief that hard work should be recognized and rewarded—a sentiment that, sadly, remains unreciprocated at APUA.
What I heard during our conversation was disheartening. My friend conveyed a profound decline in morale among their colleagues, a sentiment I can wholeheartedly empathize with.
The employees of APUA, the very backbone of the services provided to our community, find themselves constantly in the crosshairs of public scrutiny. Instead of acknowledging their tireless efforts, management has continuously shifted blame onto those working at the coalface of operation—the very individuals who have raised their voices in countless meetings, only to be met with the deafening silence of indifference.
Additionally, it pains me to know that there are managers within the organization who have victimized their staff with impunity. Stories abound of withheld raises while simultaneously rewarding members of their cliques—an act that exemplifies brazen favoritism. This blatant preferential treatment has not only fostered resentment among dedicated employees but has also perpetuated a toxic work environment characterized by fear and disillusionment.
The ramifications of this lack of accountability are dire. Employees are regularly subjected to ridicule and public bashing, all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to serve the community day in and day out. Unfortunately, the challenge is compounded by the very nature of APUA’s operations, which dominate the public eye.
The reluctance of politicians to publicly recognize the hard work of these individuals creates an atmosphere of further alienation and despair.
Indeed, it is troubling to observe that as employees continue to face insurmountable challenges without recognition, many of my former colleagues have sought opportunities elsewhere.
A noticeable trend of departure from APUA is emerging—a mass exodus that raises a red flag about the future of an organization that should otherwise be a beacon of service and stability. If this trend persists, APUA risks finding itself in a state of brain drain, a preventable situation caused by systemic mismanagement and an unwillingness to foster a supportive environment for employees.
What remains to be seen is whether management will ever change their ways. Will they break free from the shackles of bad-mindedness and political expediency, allowing for the recognition of their employees’ monumental efforts? Or will they continue to stifle and diminish the spirits of those committed to public service?
It is high time for APUA’s leadership to reflect and recalibrate their approach. The operations of APUA may well improve should management choose to treat their workforce with the respect and appreciation they rightfully deserve. The question looms: How long must the dedicated employees of APUA endure substandard treatment before management acts on their behalf?
Should there be no change in the immediate future, I encourage my former colleagues to do as I did and just “jump ship.” A ship stuck on a reef is close enough to land… swim ashore!
As I hope for change, I speak as a voice for my former colleagues, urging the leadership to recognize the earnest commitment and sacrifice of those who work tirelessly to keep our community energized and connected. APUA’s future hangs in the balance, pendulous between the need for improvement and the shadow of past decisions. The time for introspection and action is now.3332
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
Well said
I commend the author of this post. The state of affairs in APUA is more than likely the state of affairs at most,if not all government institutions. It’s the sad state of affairs in Antigua and Barbuda where favoritism, cronyism, victimization,nepotism and low moral abound. This exist in our Healthcare, Education, to name a few,where people are often given positions based on political affiliations or inside connections, rather that merit and competence .
The central government has absolutely nothing to do with what transpires at APUA on a day to day basis. What this person is explaining here is exactly my reasons for leaving the company after 30+ years- my sister also left/ migrated – similar reasons been a motivation. APUA was destroyed by its management team over the years- instead of focusing on individual’s abilities and award accordingly- it was made into a semi- slave like entity- with a small elitist group reaping all the benefits and not just the benefits but also the respect. Probably could overlook the former- but the latter I never can tolerate- anyone speaks ti me in a condescending manner- rest assured I will respond accordingly. Hence the main reason I decided to leave before I lost my very mild temper and in response lose my years I put into the company without compensation. Recently I said to a former coworker- who isn’t too far from retirement- I said- you’ll are very good and faithful employees- because I couldn’t see myself still in that place today- I would go home with migraines daily.. I can recall sitting at my desk one day- as a senior supervisor- got a call from my home – was told my electricity was disconnected- flabbergasted I enquired and was told- I had a. Balance- the balance – $52.00 ( fifty two) – showed my displeasure and was told by an employee in no uncertain terms”quote ( it’s the company’s rules) The place is horrible and stifling- no amount of salary increases etc etc could have kept me there a day more.
JA, when we were at Cassada Gardens, I used to say how pretty you were but I also used to ask why you seem to always have a frown. Now I understand. Take care.
lawd the effects of Esworth-ism. It will take some time for the effects to wear off and disappear. Give it some time
As a present APUA employee I can confirm that the place is just toxic. It’s the worst that I have seen and felt it in my 16 years here. The so-called new GM has caused a complete deterioration of whatever little standards that we had and everything has to be all about him. He belittles everyone and I mean EVERYONE. From other managers to anyone he thinks is not for him. We have had an accountant leave who told me that after crunching the numbers, he explained to them that a so called big project was not in Apua’s best interest and he was berated for it. Others in accounts have spoken about choice people (in favour with the GM) getting personal vehicles while a whole a department can’t get vehicles and tools to do basic daily work. Many more people grumble silently in their departments or on the street when they think no one can hear to carry the news back. The news carriers who get favours are plenty and many people are afraid to speak openly even on the phone. Some even have stated that the phones are bugged. Lawyers were consulted to fire a longstanding employee who has given decades to the company, a clear case of victimisation. Big meeting was held to cuss out the people who spoke up against it when the bills reached the accounts department. This dude walked in and just sucked the life out of the room and clear signs of his divide and conquer attitude are seen in other areas. Water people say that they have two managers and don’t know who to talk to because he treats the water manager like a little boy. Electricity manager “powers” usurped – which led to cussing. This is not modern day leadership or any day leadership. We need better but when you are an old school mate of “the minister” you are beyond reproach whether or not you have knowledge or basic skills. What an absolute glaring failure.
… And didn’t Gaston Browne put in place one of his lackeys to improve the running of APUA?
His supporters may have forgotten this, but remember, nothing passes Brixtonian. Nothing!
lawd everybody want to do like UPP and pull off MASS EXODUS. Tunein to hear Tabor spill the beans tonight on gay truth.
Elston Adams……………………. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Gregory Athill ……………………. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Lamming Newton ………………. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Malayka parker …………………. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Ambassador Goodwin…………..jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Colin Browne ……………………… jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Colin Derek ……………………… jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Anthony stuart …………………….. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Joanne Massiah ………………….. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Dean jonas …………………………. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Winston Williams …………………. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Wimoth Daniel …………………….. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Mervyn Richards ………………….. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Phil more Benjamin ………………. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Errol Cort ………………………………. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
John Maginley ……………………….. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Hilson Baptiste ……………………. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Chanlah Codrington ………………. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Clephane Roberts ……………….. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Dr. Edward Mansoor ……………… jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Donna Chaia …………………………. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Trevor Young………………………..jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Kieron Simon………………………..jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Chaniel Imhoff………………………..jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Lenworth Johnson………………………..jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Luther Lee………………………..jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Anderson Carty………………………..jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Elmore Charles………………………..jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Bishop Dorsette……………….. jumped off SINKING UPP SHIP
Chevaughn Benjamin
Anthony Smith
Edmond Mansoor
Sean Bird
Shawn Nicholas
Damani Tabor………………..Dive off SINKING UPP SHIP
A lot of these government and civil service managers do seem to spend too much time focusing on or creating unnecessary people/personnel issues instead of focusing on the mission of the organization. This could partly be because of how their job descriptions are written. Often their jobs are to “communicate directives” from those above them to workers below. This can be a problem because workers often already know what they should be doing and have insight into problems that needs the managers’ actions to solve, but workers are not given a voice in the decision making process. So, managers don’t spend enough time on making sure the infrastructure, equipment and workflow processes are functional, which is what workers really need them to do. They don’t listen to workers to find out what actually needs to be fixed or solved. They don’t listen to the solutions proposed by the workers but impose possibly unworkable solutions on them. Instead of creating a good collaborative, productive, work environment, they spend time annoying workers with unnecessary instructions and poorly planned random “innovations” that take time away from the work that they are trained or qualified to do. Managers and friends spend time power-tripping, pushing people around, creating silly cliques etc. instead of helping the team work towards the shared goal. Managers need perhaps some proper training in respectful human management or they need to at least remember the goal…
@Present APUA Employee – I believe you are either writing to impersonate a present employee or you are one of the former GM chosen. Most of the bad management style you speak of pertains to the former GM.
As a present APUA Employee, the new GM is a very strategic person who encourages teamwork and unity. He uses both his engineering and management experience to bring a fresh air to APUA. For example, if you were assigned the biggest task, the new GM would try to find out the issues and possible solution – he would then try to guide you to the solution.
On the other hand, the former GM was just HOT AIR with really nothing to offer. In a situation as presented before, he would just grandstand and offer no solution. If you were one of his favourites, errors are called slight misunderstanding. If you were not on the favourite list, then errors are called foolishness. What was worse, is his deliberate effort in trying to ensure that you fail. Sometimes, he would even assist you in failing by ensuring that you do NOT receive the tools and equipment to perform your job.
APUA has a new life and most of the employees are feeling a fresh Air. The only disappointment that we have, it took the government too long to get rid of the Former.