Hundreds of international visitors arriving for the Thanksgiving weekend experienced significant delays at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) yesterday because the majority of immigration officers scheduled to work called in sick.
For about a five-hour period, there were severely backed up lines for returning residents, family island connections and visitors in the arrivals lounge.
Some people waited up to four hours before clearing immigration, The Guardian understands.
Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) Communications Manager Shonalee Johnson told The Guardian that 3,388 international and 785 domestic passengers were projected to arrive at LPIA yesterday.
When contacted for comment, Director of Immigration William Pratt confirmed several officers called in sick, resulting in the shortage.
The Guardian understands from sources familiar with the matter that 12 officers were scheduled to work, but only four showed up.
The rush hours during the holiday period are typically from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to Pratt.
"We tried to get a couple of additional officers because some officers called in sick, I was told," he said.
"I do not have all of the exact figures. I got an email that said...the [area] was backed up - I know sometimes the flights are backed up because they all come in at once - and they said only a few officers were in booths at the time.
"But I know they got some additional officers to put in place."
When asked whether he believes the Bahamas Customs Immigration and Allied Workers Union (BCIAWU) instructed a sick-out, Pratt said, "No. I don't believe that from what the officer-in-charge told me.
"Some officers called in sick, and I guess they were having a challenge getting some officers in.
"When officers call in sick and you have to call officers who are off duty, some people have other appointments, so there can be challenges.
"But we were able to get a few more officers to assist with the backlog."
BCIAWU Vice President Cordero Edgecombe, who was also contacted for comment, denied the union instructed a sick-out or work-to-rule.
"None. Not at all. We are not taking any industrial action at all," Edgecombe said. "There was nothing organized by anyone, and I am the executive vice president."
Asked whether he was aware that only four officers were stationed at LPIA yesterday, Edgecombe said he was not, but added that is an issue for management.
Pratt said given the heavy arrivals over the next few weeks, the Department of Immigration will be prepared for any eventuality.
"We will definitely have it covered if they call in sick tomorrow (Thursday)," he said.
While the BCIAWU denied any industrial action yesterday, it has been in a highly publicized row with the government this year.
A main point of contention for the BCIAWU has been stalled negotiations over outstanding overtime pay, and promotion concerns.

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