Bahamas Supermarkets Limited (BSL), the former parent company of the City Market supermarket chain, is facing legal action yet again, Guardian Business can confirm.
Devard Francis, the attorney representing the Royal Bahamas Police Staff Association (RBPSA), confirmed yesterday that his firm LaRoda, Francis and Co. has filed a default judgment against BSL for failure to pay the rest of the funds owed to the RBPSA and is now waiting to secure a court date.
He shared with Guardian Business that RBPSA members have been patiently waiting for the owed monies, and have now reached their breaking point.
The RBPSA alleged earlier this year that BSL had an outstanding balance of more than $80,000 for unpaid services rendered by association members last year. A writ was then filed against BSL in the Supreme Court, claiming the company owes officers $81,321.50.
"Sometime in 2011, the plaintiff (RBPSA) and defendant (BSL) entered into a written agreement whereby the defendant hired the services of the plaintiff to secure its five New Providence store locations and three Grand Bahama locations during its hours of operation," the writ stated.
Devard Francis subsequently told Guardian Business that a deal had been brokered and therefore the lawsuit against BSL was dropped.
At that time, Francis revealed to Guardian Business that an amicable settlement was made between the two parties, though he refused to disclose the conditions.
He further shared that full payment would be given to the association first, and then distributed to the officers.
Sgt. Darrell Weir, RBPSA's executive chairman, said to Guardian Business yesterday the association is becoming increasingly frustrated, as the services were rendered nearly one year ago.
Weir disclosed that BSL has an outstanding balance of more than $35,000.
"The officers are constantly complaining that they have not received their monies as yet. We're going into almost a year since the service has been rendered. One lump sum has been made, but none since then," he noted.
"The officers need their money because they rendered a service. The members of the police staff association want their money. A fair day's pay for a fair day's work."
BSL President Mark Finlayson had allegedly promised the outstanding balance would be paid in full last month.
"We have been trying to negotiate payments and have been working feverishly towards it but to date, we have only received a partial payment of that particular sum. They have reached their breaking point, being more than patient, as the sum is still outstanding for officers in Nassau and Freeport," according to Francis.
"Our firm intends to secure a date with the court to assess damages as we have already filed a default judgment."
The attorney shared with Guardian Business that he expects a court date to be given within the next two weeks.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian