Prime Minister Mercelina advances independent mediation to support dialogue with WICSU-PSU

GREAT BAY--Prime Minister Dr. Luc F. E. Mercelina has proposed the appointment of an independent mediator to support ongoing discussions with the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union–Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) regarding matters affecting Fire Department personnel. The Prime Minister formally notified WICSU-PSU President Sharon Cangieter that the Government is prepared to move forward with a neutral facilitator selected by mutual agreement. Four possible candidates have been presented to the union, and the Government has invited WICSU-PSU to submit its own nominee. The Prime Minister confirmed that names will remain confidential to safeguard the integrity of the process.

Dr. Mercelina explained that mediation can help structure the agenda, clarify expectations, and maintain focus on solutions. “This process allows both parties to operate within a framework that ensures transparency, professionalism, and mutual respect,” he said. “Our aim is to reach a resolution that is fair, balanced, and sustainable, while maintaining the public’s confidence in the Fire Department and in government’s ability to listen and act.”

The Prime Minister reiterated that the Government values its engagement with unions and wants to protect the dialogue from political noise. “This step is not about taking sides; it is about creating space for structured problem-solving,” he said. “We are ready to work together to put agreements in writing, implement them in sequence, and report progress publicly once consensus has been reached.”

WICSU-PSU has confirmed that it remains open to mediation provided the process is neutral, legally sound, and supported by clear documentation. The union views the mediator proposal as a constructive step, one that can help align expectations and settle disputes that have lingered for years.

Fire Department personnel have written to WICSU-PSU President Sharon Cangieter expressing that they are no longer interested in continued back-and-forth communication over the signing of the commitment letter. In their letter, the members reiterated that the agreements reached during the meetings of May 5 and August 15, 2025, should be respected, citing a clause that calls for neutral individuals to oversee upcoming negotiations. The members noted that this clause was ratified by the Prime Minister during the August 15 meeting but has not been honored. They therefore repeated their request for the appointment of a neutral mediator to handle the matter going forward.

The fire personnel also raised concerns about transparency, pointing out discrepancies between information provided to them and statements made by government officials regarding financial approval and placement matters. They stated that they have no knowledge of documents allegedly sent to the Governor for approval and believe such steps should not be taken without full transparency. The letter concludes that the intervention of a mediator is the most constructive way to move forward, adding that members remain ready to sign the commitment letter once it has been received.

Union President Sharon Cangieter said that for members, the key is not the number of meetings but the presence of a defined outcome. “Workers need to know where they stand. Placement, promotions, and retroactive matters must be reflected in signed commitments, not just exchanged letters,” she noted.

The union emphasized that members of the Fire and Ambulance Departments continue to perform essential services despite resource and staffing constraints. Cangieter explained that what has been described as a go-slow is not a refusal to work, but an adjustment in pace within the law, reflecting operational realities. “Our members are still responding to every emergency. They simply want acknowledgment, a fair workload, and a clear path forward,” she said.

WICSU-PSU has also called for greater transparency on financial calculations related to retroactive payments. According to the union, open sharing of data and timelines will help prevent misunderstandings and rebuild trust. The union’s executive board reiterated that it is not seeking confrontation but cooperation through documented steps, consistent communication, and fair negotiation practices.

Cangieter said the union wants the mediation process to succeed and believes that success depends on all parties approaching the table in good faith, sharing information openly, and showing a willingness to finalize long-delayed decisions. She noted that members of the Fire and Ambulance Departments have served the country through storms, fires, and national emergencies, and that they now deserve clarity and respect for their continued dedication.

Under the Government’s proposal, the mediation will proceed in five stages:

• Selection of a mediator jointly agreed upon by both parties.

• Terms of reference establishing confidentiality, scope, and timelines.

• Initial session to consolidate the list of issues and review supporting documents.

• Working sessions focused on placement, promotions, retroactivity, and communication protocols.

• Closing session to record agreements and define implementation responsibilities.

The Government and WICSU-PSU will continue to exchange names for the mediator role and finalize the terms of reference in the coming days. Both parties have stated their intent to remain within a cooperative framework and to keep the public informed as progress is made.

“The introduction of a mediator is meant to strengthen—not replace—the trust between Government and labor,” Prime Minister Mercelina said. “Together we can show that social dialogue works, that respect and law go hand in hand, and that solutions come from engagement, not division.”

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