PM Browne Announces Immediate Job Offer for Mother of Five Following Public Appeal

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that a mother of five who recently appealed for government assistance will be offered a job at the port with immediate effect, following the publication of her story on Antigua.News.

Browne made the announcement in a comment posted beneath the article on Monday, November 9, revealing that he had taken steps to secure employment for Tanessa David, whose common-law partner, Shawn Jones, died in a truck accident nearly two years ago.

The Prime Minister also indicated that Minister Michael Joseph would be asked to engage David to determine what additional assistance could be provided to her family.

In his response, Browne acknowledged the circumstances surrounding Jones's death.

“I am aware of this unfortunate situation in which a truck operator, who was contracted by a candidate to deliver ham and turkeys met his untimely demise, when the truck he was driving, rolled down a hill and toppled over on him,” Browne wrote.

The Prime Minister maintained that there was no legal liability associated with the incident but said efforts would continue to support the family.

“Though there is no legal culpability, we will do our best to continue to assist the family.”

Browne then announced the employment arrangement, identifying Port Manager Darwin Telemaque as the official responsible for extending the offer.

“Port Manager, Darwin Telemaque will be offering her a job at the port, effective immediately. I will ask Min Michael Joseph to liaise with her to determine what can be done to further assist her,” the Prime Minister stated.

Telemaque has also confirmed that he received a telephone call from Browne concerning the matter, lending further confirmation to the Prime Minister's announcement.

The intervention follows the publication of an Antigua.News article headlined “My Children Have Needs”: Mother of Five Pleads for Promised Support, which highlighted David's appeal for assistance.

While the Prime Minister has indicated that employment will be offered immediately, confirmation is still pending on whether David has accepted the position or when she is expected to begin working.

It also remains to be seen what additional support may result from the proposed engagement between David and Minister Joseph.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne also says that the government will be reaching out to make a final financial contribution to Tanessa David.