A former Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) employee and Free National Movement (FNM) supporter said yesterday he has instructed his attorney to take legal action, claiming he was "politically victimized" when he was fired on March 3.

Micah Valdes, 46, was hired on a one-year contract as an aquaculture technician on September 14, 2014. The father of seven said he has 14 years' experience in the field. Valdes claimed a senior manager advised him that he was being let go for insubordination. But he said he never received a termination letter explaining the reason.

"It really hurts to know that we still live in a society that actually thrives on victimization," Valdes told The Nassau Guardian. "It is a strain on our system. We have educated Bahamian people, who are capable of doing the jobs, but are not afforded the opportunity because of their political affiliation."

Attorney Dion Foulkes, who represents Valdes and terminated irrigation specialist and staff supervisor Lenny McDonald, said both men were victimized because of their political affiliation. However, Minister of Agriculture V. Alfred Gray previously said while he is not familiar with the circumstances surrounding the termination of these employees, he is confident "if they were let go, they were let go for reasons".

But Valdes said representatives of the Bahamas Agriculture and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) recruited him for the position at BAMSI. He was previously employed as an on-site coordinator at Lucayan Aquaculture Ltd. in Grand Bahama, where he was responsible for producing 100,000 pounds of shrimp annually.

"Having a wealth of knowledge and a wealth of contacts in the industry, when I went to the program (BAMSI) it was like I was in isolation," Valdes said. "They never really asked for recommendations or anything. Coming from the private sector, recommendations, different views and criticisms are welcome. But actually going to BAMSI, they consider that undermining the project."

Having turned down a job offer in Texas to work at BAMSI, Valdes said his termination has deeply hurt him and his family.

"My motivation to this project was like that of a solider," Valdes said. "When a solider goes to war, it is not about party, but it is about country."

Gray has insisted BAMSI hires people based on their qualifications and their abilities to fulfill their obligations in accordance with the project's policies and direction. He said when there is a breach, BAMSI's board of directors determines whether to retain or fire.

"I would not make a second guess of it," Gray said. "The president of BAMSI Godfrey Eneas is well qualified to determine whether those who are hired are doing what they were hired to do in accordance with the company's policies and direction."

Calls placed to Eneas were not returned up to press time.

Speaking to the project, Valdes said equipment was limited and employees often had to wait to use tools. He said his salary was frequently paid weeks after payday. In a letter to Gray two weeks ago, Foulkes said he was instructed to claim damages for unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal and breach of contract.

"Additionally, I have been instructed by Mr. Valdes to seek damages for the violation of his constitutional rights with respect to his right to support the political organization of his choice without fear of retaliation or discrimination from authorities or from the government," Foulkes said. "We are of the firm view that this is a case of political victimization and discrimination."

Foulkes said a formal letter of demand will be sent to the government and BAMSI's management this week. He said failure to respond within seven days of it being issued, would result in a writ being filed in the Supreme Court. FNM Chairman Michael Pintard previously promised that the party would not rest until "justice prevails in North Andros".

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