A number of Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) employees signed off yesterday as the state-owned entity moves to execute a major restructuring into a fully digital broadcaster.
Among those made redundant were former head of archives and information Sherwood McCaskie and former sports editor Shawn Greene, who confirmed that it was their last day on the job at the Pine, St Michael media house.
A meeting was held with staff yesterday during which several issues, including severance packages, were addressed.
In a subsequent statement, chief executive officer Sanka Price said that the corporation hit the reset button on its operations with its first phase of restructuring. Without giving numbers, he explained that although some staff members and contractors were cut, others were re-engaged.
“It is a necessary step as we seek to modernise our operations. A re-organisation on this scale, regardless of its necessity, is a significant challenge for any company.
“We have, however, managed this process while being mindful of our staff, whom I must commend for their patience and understanding. Several staff members and contractors have been re-engaged to continue operations,” Price said.
He said that the corporation was not closing.
“We are transitioning to a fit-forpurpose organisation at the cutting edge of broadcast technology. It’s a long, overdue journey that begins tomorrow [today]. The innovative changes coming will be revealed in the days and weeks ahead.
“We are confident that when the transformation of this organisation is completed, the corporation will, even more so, be the centre of excellence for showcasing Barbadian lifestyle, heritage and sports.”
Greene, who worked at CBC for 17 years, reflected on his journey.
“I am not the same guy that I was 17 years ago. It’s just unfortunate that I won’t be able to fulfil all of that . . . but life goes on and when one door closes, another will open,” he said.
When asked what his plans were, he said: “I have options to weigh and we will see.”
McCaskie first made the announcement during the Remembering Historian Trevor
Marshall episode of his programme My Community – which featured interviews with Dr Henderson Carter and Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM David Comissiong.
Social history
“The series began on Sunday, December 29, 2019, as a direct response to the Prime Minister’s call for a recommitment to the values that define us a people. What better way to understand the foundations of our identity than by providing a platform for our people to share their social history.
“Over the last five years and four months you have welcomed us into your homes and shared your personal history. Together we have built a significant body of knowledge. As My Community comes to an end, so does my time with the CBC. With the organisation’s retrenchment and transition, there is no longer a place for me or the work to which I have dedicated
myself,” McCaskie said.
During an interview with the DAILY NATION at CBC yesterday, he further reflected on his 20 years there.
“CBC has provided me with the wonderful platform to reach people to allow people to tell their stories of love, resilience and compassion. That has always been the mandate of CBC over the many years. I am pleased that I’ve had the opportunity to be of service to Barbados,” he said.
In addition to his work on screen, McCaskie said he was proud to have also contributed to the development of other staff at CBC.
Although he did not divulge specifics, he said he would continue to serve the country.
In early March, the country was informed about the restructuring process, with the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) also a part of the negotiations.
BWU general secretary Toni Moore had stated: “From the outset, the BWU has been resolute in ensuring that CBC employees are treated fairly and respectfully. We fought tirelessly to secure a severance package that recognises their contributions, [addresses] the anxiety associated with this protracted period and exceeds the standard provisions. Beyond the financial aspect, we understand that transitions like these can be difficult, and we want every CBC employee to know that they are not alone.”
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