Rejoicing at CBC as Christie departs

Sharon Christie is no longer the acting Chair of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation’s (CBC) Board of Management.

The development follows weeks of disquiet among employees, supervisors, and even managers about “unnecessary interference” by the board.

Sources at the state-owned broadcaster’s Pine, St Michael studios informed Barbados TODAY of the developments and revealed that the changes have been met with “much delight” and “rejoicing”.

It is still unclear who will replace Christie, but sources have indicated that further changes to the board have not been ruled out.

Minister of Information and Public Affairs Wilfred Abrahams confirmed there have been changes.

“There have been some changes to the CBC board, and it would be very inappropriate for me to notify anybody until the persons have received their instrument. When that has been done, it will be a matter of public record,” he told Barbados TODAY.

Abrahams however declined to respond to questions about whether the impending changes were linked to the ongoing unrest at the corporation. It is also unclear whether Christie, who is overseas on medical leave, resigned or was fired.

In late August, this newspaper reported that unnecessary interference from the board was linked to late payments of contract workers and a slowdown of operations in general that resulted in some contractors withholding their services.

The reforms included a decision that absolutely no corporation funds would be spent without the approval of the board.

At the time, union leaders were also monitoring a proposal from Christie to discontinue the practice of salary deductions for staff in an effort to save $200 to $300 monthly.

In mid-September, Barbados TODAY also reported worsening working environmental conditions such as a buildup of mold, infestation of roaches, and other insects, as well as air conditioning units that are either not working or have not been serviced.

The situation was said to be so bad that it could lead to industrial action if not addressed immediately.

Shortly after, Minister Abrahams visited the corporation and revealed plans to enhance the operations, after improving the health and working conditions of staff.

Sources at the corporation indicated that there was much delight at the news of the Christie’s departure as well as optimism that some much-needed decisions regarding the corporation’s future would be attended to.

“There was much rejoicing in the corridors. People were happy because the feeling is that the freelancers will now be paid and other issues will be dealt with. It was really to the delight of staff,” one official indicated.   

Christie, a certified management accountant and Chief Executive Officer, was appointed Deputy Chairman in September 2019 under then Minister of Broadcasting Senator Lucille Moe.

Moe was removed as Minister during a cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Mia Mottley in July.

Christie took over as acting chair after the departure of former chairman David Leacock. kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb