Dale Destin, the Director of the MET Office, says workers’ resistance to embracing change is the main reason behind a pushback against his management approach.

Over the weekend, employees at the MET office organized a sickout, asserting that they could no longer operate under Destin’s guidance.

Letitia Humphreys, the President of the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Officers, conveyed in a media statement that Destin lacks respect for his staff and excessively controls every department.

“Every officer at the ABMS is competently trained, but the workers have become frustrated and demoralized because of the condescending manner in which they are spoken to. He berates the staff, the Permanent Secretary, and other senior members of the Ministry, even in the presence of his subordinate members of staff. It is as if he is lord unto himself and has even declared that he is second to none in the Caribbean,” she wrote

She said he is “denying officers their promotion albeit they would have attained the required years o and has indicated it could be 10, 20, even 100 years. He will not promote persons unless he sees fit based on his merit”

The issues with Mr. Destin go back years, and according to Humphreys, he has proclaimed that he will use the stick-and-carrot approach to get things done the way he wants them done.

“ABMOA recently wrote a letter to the Permanent Secretary indicating the officer’s reluctance to continue under this type of leadership. A meeting was convened with the Permanent Secretary and subsequently The Minister with responsibilities for aviation. We were promised that the issues would be looked into but in the meantime, the officers continue to be aggravated at the hands of Mr. Destin through emails and notices. This is not the first-time officers have withdrawn their support to Mr. Destin where a petition was signed by 85 percent of the staff,” she wrote in her letter

She said contrary to what Destin says, officers are not resistant to change. “We, too, believe that the people of Antigua and Barbuda deserve nothing but the best. However, you will never achieve this with a body of degraded, demoralized staff,” she wrote

But Destin said the accusations of micromanagement and disrespect toward staff members are unfounded.

“As the Director of the ABMS, it is my responsibility to ensure efficient operations and adherence to established protocols. Any interactions with staff are conducted professionally and with respect for their contributions,” he said in response

Destin said that decisions regarding promotions are made based on an objective assessment of qualifications, experience, and merit and in consultation with others.

“While I understand the desire for career advancement, it is essential to maintain standards and fairness in the promotion process. I have duly noted staff concerns, and I am committed to addressing them in collaboration with the relevant authorities. Steps are being taken to address any valid grievances,” he noted

Adding, “I assure you that my priority remains the effective functioning of the ABMS and the well-being of its staff. I am open to constructive dialogue and am willing to work with all stakeholders to ensure a positive and productive work environment”

Aviation Minister Charles Fernandez is expected to respond soon