Union Hits Back: Do You Want a Fight?

Elena Smith

This evening, News Five spoke to B.N.T.U. National President Elena Smith for a response on that charge as well as other related issues.  Essentially, her response is ‘bring it on!’ Smith believes that this unexpected move from the Education Minister to target the Union is as simple as wanting a fight – a fight, she warns, that he cannot win. The Union, she said, is not about to let the government run roughshod over it, reminding that when the then-Opposition U.D.P., including Faber, needed them to take office, they were only too happy  to walk and work side by side with them. And as for any links to the now-Opposition P.U.P. and especially attorney and fellow Senator Eamon Courtenay, Smith said the Union believes Courtenay is the best man for the job, red, blue or otherwise.

Elena Smith, National President, B.N.T.U.

“The Minister speaks because he has to. I’m not sure where he got his facts from. But I would like to remind the Minister that in 2005 when we were out there fighting, he was out there along with us. And he did not accuse us back then that we were wrapped up with the Opposition at the time. But now when we are fighting, this time, against them, conveniently for them we are now wrapped up with the Opposition. He also spoke about us and our choice of legal representation in the person of Senator Courtenay. The Minister should know that the B.N.T.U. chooses whichever lawyer it feels would best represent it and if that person is Senator Courtenay then so be it; but he cannot dictate to us, and tell us who we must select as our attorney.”

Aaron Humes

“What do you think his thinking is?”

Elena Smith

“Maybe he wants a fight with B.N.T.U.; and if that is what he is looking for, then we are up to the challenge. And so I would just like to warn him that he must be very careful if he is looking to pick a fight with the B.N.T.U. Because as we have said, we are not going to sit idly by and allow them to do what they want to do, without following proper process, or without doing things the right way.”