Email

Print

On Monday, NICH laid off 12 of its staffers, 6% of the total staff. In a release the Institute explained that its government subvention for June was cut by 40% - and, with that, it had to commence layoffs, which include prominent senior staffers such as former Theatre Director, Karen Vernon, former Coordinator of NICH's Film and Media Arts Unit Suzette Zayden, and former Creative Industry Development Officer. Jackie Castillo.

Now, the former staffers say that their disappointment at the handling of their terminations is an understatement.

They sent out a statement today presenting a list of allegations against the organization and its President Sapna Budhrani.

These allegations range from a re-hashing of the President's 2018 suspension by Cabinet, the organization's financial mismanagement, and finally alleges a blatant lack of due process and respect for employees, culminating in claims of victimization and a plea to the Minister responsible for Culture to quote "restore proper fiscal management, transparency and due process within the Institution as soon as possible."

They declare "it is hard to believe that cutting staff by 6% will ensure NICH's survival. We were victimized for speaking up about our concerns regarding NICH's management."

In a statement, N.I.C.H appears to be responding graciously thanking their former employees for their service and wishing them well on future endeavours while pointing out that the organization will quote "Look favourably at hiring former members of staff if circumstances allow."