Antigua PM tells Darwin Telemaque to make ‘behavioral adjustments’

Telemaque heads the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority

Darwin Telemaque, a Dominican who heads the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority has been reportedly given an order by that country’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, to undergo attitude training and make behavioral adjustments.

Browne is quoted on OBSERVER Media as saying that he met with Telemaque recently and advised him to undergo the sessions with the hopes of improving the relationship with staff.

There have been complaints about the management style of Telemaque who is a well-known former Dominican cricketer and businessman.

“I spoke to him about it and we have asked him to make some behavioral adjustment and he has agreed,” Browne said. “So, we are hoping that relations between himself and his staff will improve. We have even suggested some team building exercises as well, to build confidence between the management and the staff,”.

It is being reported that on May 30, a confrontation between port mechanic, Armin Henry, and Telemaque, allegedly nearly ended in an all-out brawl.

Reportedly, Henry, who is also a shop steward, was clocking out after he was instructed to leave the port because it was believed that he led a delegation to the union when he was accosted by the port manager.

At the time, Telemaque stated that, according to the Port Authority Act, he was well within his right to “arrest” Henry.

This incident led to protest action by over 100 administrative staff from the Antigua Port Authority who walked off the job on June 1 and marched in the rain to the Office of the Prime Minister to vent their frustration with management.

The striking workers said that were “fed up” with being disrespected and spoken down to by management and senior members of staff and they would not be returning to work until their concerns had been addressed.

When OBSERVER media contacted Telemaque for comments on the matter, he said: “I don’t think that it’s in my place to respond to what the Prime Minister said. He said what he said and I’m not responding to that.”

The Port Manager further stated that he had no grievances with any port worker.

“I have no issues at the port with any worker, never had and still don’t have one. The foolishness that went on the other day I don’t even know what that is. Half the staff doesn’t know why they followed the others,” Telemaque said.

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28 Comments

  1. Lookey
    May 18, 2019

    All you people chatting you mouth.
    Who in the kitchen feels the heat, this guy is very disrespectful to workers. Unless you suck up to him and Carry news to him your hard work and dedication to the job does not matter.
    He who comments on an issue without knowing the issue is a fool

  2. Lady Dee
    June 14, 2018

    These people have no respect for authority. They have been upset since he came onboard and he immediately cut of their free money, the unnecessary overtime. The port in A tigua is at is best since Dawrwin was appointed as a manager. I can feel your Fraustration with these employees. This guy zandolie you just have to be a Dominican. We are the only people in the world who jump on our people’s backs like an opening batsman just tò score zero.

  3. Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
    June 14, 2018

    The Darwin Telemaque that I remember is quiet, kind, smart and humble. There are multiple sides to every story and managing requires tough decisions at times. A statement of wrongdoing does not automatically equal to an indictment. Whatever transpired between Darwin and the parties concerned, will make him a better human being in the end. Darwin is one of the kindest people that I know.

  4. June 14, 2018

    Darwin Telemaque is not a mean person; he is a very humble and kind hearted, considerate and helpful; those who do not know this guy stop hiding behind these fake names and posting all negative comments. These Antiguan workers are upset that a Dominican is in this job. Darwin, my advise to you – leave this job, you are very qualified and will be employed in another position.

  5. mine
    June 14, 2018

    Maybe the position went up to his head and wants to bully others. Man take it easy and be humble.

  6. zandoli
    June 14, 2018

    Darwin is lucky he is not employed at my company. He would not be getting a second chance to do behavioral modification (or whatever they called it). In the words of Donald J. Trump, he would have heard these words: You are fired!

    The man needs to be more professional in his approach to management. That does not just apply to him. it applies to many managers in the Caribbean.

    • ?????????
      June 14, 2018

      Zandoli do you know both sides to the story. To make an informed statement, one needs to listen to the facts both sides not make a wishy washy statement on heresay. Even media sometimes give the wrong information.

    • ?????????
      June 14, 2018

      Zandoli I bring this to your attention in one of the articles ” During Telemaque’s time as manager, the Antigua Port Authority has been voted best port in the Caribbean for the last two years by the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC).” So one has to be objective when commenting, Have you dealt with him in a professional capacity? if then perhaps , you can state “The man needs to be more professional in his approach to management.” This heresay and making dumb statements without facts must stop. Even if the Prime Minister made those comments .. he may too have been subjective – Remember Darwin is Dominican and the others – Antiguan. Food for thought for you Zandoli.

      • zandoli
        June 14, 2018

        There may indeed be multiple sides to this story. Darwin could be from Mars and the others from Pluto. The fact remains, he ought not to have found himself in that situation where a physical altercation ensued.

        I have been working for many a year, and I have never seen that in my working life in any of the places of my employment.

        The fact is, if you are in a senior management position, you should NEVER be in a position where you are exposed to that type of situation. You ought to be well above that.

        I do not suggest he started anything, but he should have anticipated where it was going to lead and should have removed himself from that situation before it got that far.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        June 14, 2018

        Zandolie, you are not very familiar with human nature, nor are you familiar with the nature and rude behavior of most Antiguans. I lived and worked in Antigua; when I worked for O.D Brisbane, as a tariff clerk; I was paid monthly. She made it better for me because in some months there are five weeks.

         When I asked why, a woman Lynette Gonzales told me I am not Antiguan, therefore I cannot be paid my the month: She forgot her days living in Marigot when her uncle was a doctor stationed there.

        I worked for the West Indies Oil Company, I am one of the people who traveled to Dominica dealing with the legal papers, prepared by the late Dr. Joseph Liverpool, and JoJo Karam setting up WIOC in Dominica. 

        I was pushed to a point by a guy on the job in Antigua, I got into a physical fist fight with the *******. I got fired, but it worked out better for me,to this day; I went to Europe, and the rest of my life is history!

      • zandoli
        June 14, 2018

        FET…. I will grant you this because you were younger – I don’e know how young you were at the time. Perhaps, as a youngster, being relatively immature, I too could be pushed into a fist fight with someone who would not stop. I will also tell you this, at my age and experience in life, I cannot imagine anyone being able to goad me into a fist fight unless I am defending myself or family.

        Having said that, once I see a discussion or argument getting out of hand, you will not see me continuing to the point of physical contact. As a matter of fact, if I am anywhere and I see the signs of trouble, even if it does not involve me, I will be gone in a jiffy.

        I like a spirited discussion, but when it comes to dealing with ignorant people, you will not see me wasting my time.

  7. June 14, 2018

    Mr. Prime Minister things got be different, or you can fix it by changing it.

  8. June 14, 2018

    I don’t know if I should laugh or get mad. Good management comes in different style and to be successful you sometimes has to exercise some tough measures, they may not be popular but necessary. I’ve spoken to many citizens of Antigua, some gave great reviews on Mr. Telemaque’s manner of management and I’ve heard some complain, well… you can never please everybody, but the way things are going in the Caribbean we need serious leaders and Antigua has one in Darwin Telemaque you guys should stop the politics and rather help the brother to bring success to the port of Antigua and Barbuda.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      June 14, 2018

      Leroy, I tried very hard not to comment on anything I read here for the obvious reason I know Darwin! He is from Wesley, I am older than he is, I know his mother, and father too.

      We are biologically related, and because I do not have any intentions of being basis I chose not to comment until I read Zandolie, and now you! I understand Zandolie’s position, which is simple this; if someone is in a management position they should not allow a matter to developed into such a situation.

      Nevertheless, where you have suggest politics; and accuse Darwin of being political, proves to me that you are a confounded silly idiot; and if you shut your stupid mouth you will make much more sense to yourself!

      I do not condone any such actions if true, but the man is human, I found myself in a situation like that in Antigua while working at the West Indies Oil Company; I had to fight; but earned my dignity, though fired!

  9. Marabel
    June 13, 2018

    Darwin’s Law. When Darwin speaks no dog bark unless ur the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda. Ha haah.

  10. Marabel
    June 13, 2018

    Darwin’s Law. When Darwin speaks no dog bark. Ha haaaahh.

  11. Laughter the best medicine
    June 13, 2018

    He looks like an average Antiguian all of them are ahfouahwee that’s where they originated.That would be typical of Eddo LL and all those ahfouahdem.

    • Same name
      June 14, 2018

      Maybe your life would have been much better if your were from Marigot or Wesley. Edison rose to the ranks of PM. Lennox will be the next PM and the Darwin is the port manager of Antigua. Ask your self this question what have you done or contribute to your life. Talk about the people of Marigot and Wesley. They are well fed people and they are not red clinic candidates.

      • Man bites dogs
        June 14, 2018

        Same Name, You said Lennox will be the next PM. Well am glad that you didn’t mention Dominica because Lennox Linton will never be prime minister off Dominica, maybe in some little village in the outback of the African jungle but not Dominica sorry pal don’t hold your breath.

    • J
      June 15, 2018

      But hello how marigot reach into this sometimes u dominican idiots sick my stomach all of a sudden politics take over who the hell cares who going be dominica next pm ? How this supports this issue

  12. Frank Talker
    June 13, 2018

    Darwin’s responses are laden with attitude. Go easy, me brother. The revolution which is necessary to build our economies is feared by our leaders, and this create frustration for young leaders who want to change things.

  13. Gel fan
    June 13, 2018

    I hope the PM of Dominica would tell some top managers at certain entities in Dominica the same thing……………top gov’t officials know about the situation at this institution; yet nothing is done about it… but it rumoured that the gov’t is in for an explosion on Q95; a situation that occur their recently is brewing; the pot is boiling and things will explode very soon…Gov’t official needs to take a leaf from the PM of Antigua to ask some top management to take sessions in behaviour control and modification to deal better with their staff

  14. June 13, 2018

    Typical Dominican attitude when they have a job that has power,…………. I am glad the prime minister address the issue unlike skerro he would just sweep the problem under the rug , and don’t even talk to the workers.

  15. jamie
    June 13, 2018

    Darwin my advise to you is get out of Antigua,your a bright young man and Antiguans will never appreciate what you do for the country,i personally dont like them.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      June 18, 2018

      Your advise to Darwin is nothing more than ram-goat advise; as long as a person live we all should expect to face difficulties, and atrocities in life! If he could make a similar living in Dominica, perhaps he would not be working in Antigua, the same as so many before him.

      Before Darwin Dominicans in all professions worked and contributed to development of Antigua. While some professionals went there (sent there) by the colonial powers while Dominica was part of the Leewards islands to work, many Antiguans headed to Dominica to work on the flourishing plantations; although some came as police officers, and even school teachers.

      So, people such as the late Wills Stratmus Stevens of Marigot former teacher and EDO, later minster of Education in Leblanc labor party government came also.

      On high Street in St. Johns: Martinizine Cleaners, and recapping Tyre service on New Gate street, were Dominican investments. The bigest thing a Dominican (St. Hilire) built in Antigua is the now…

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        June 19, 2018

        On high Street in St. Johns: Martinizine Cleaners, and recapping Tyre service on New Gate street, were Dominican investments. The biggest thing a Dominican (St. Hilire) built in Antigua is the now defunct West Indies Oil Company.

        The Antigua Labor Party was actually created by a Dominican Levi Joseph, and people like former Chief of police of Antigua from Grand Bay Edmond J. Bleze.

        St. Helire is either from Mahaut, or Grand Bay!

  16. TRUTH BE TOLD
    June 13, 2018

    We need that in Dominica for the Port Workers they are fed and should take the bull by the horn and demonstrate as well. We waiting to see. Port Workers should rise up and not be cowards. :lol: :cry: 8) 8-O

  17. Yes i
    June 13, 2018

    He has the style of certain people on anotber radio station

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