Two weeks ago we broke the story of the $18,000 missing from the Christian Workers’ Union. It was a scandal which threatened to tear the union’s executive apart. The money went missing under the watch of President Antonio Gonzalez and James McFoy as General Secretary. Vice-President Emmerson Burke called for an emergency executive meeting to review the union’s overall performance. But when the meeting was first called, a majority of the executive did not show up – most likely in protest against the President. Another executive meeting was called last week Thursday which was followed by a council meeting. And it appears the embattled McFoy and Gonzalez have closed ranks. According to a release from the union, both the executive and general council reaffirmed their support for Gonzalez and McFoy. Gonzalez told us as much this evening.
Antonio Gonzalez, CWU President
“After discussion among ourselves, like everything once you dialogue you could consensus as to how we move forward in any organization.”
Keith Swift,
So Mr. Emerson Burke is back on board? He had publicly questioned the way operations are being managed by yourself and Mr. McFoy. Have you addressed his concerns?
Antonio Gonzalez,
“Well as I explained to you that his concerns, his criticisms, all these things were placed before the executive committee and flowed into the general council whereby we discussed the concerns as to the financial statement..”
Keith Swift,
Did he attend the meeting?
Antonio Gonzalez,
“Yes and the financial statements were presented to them and that was finished from around January of this year.”
Keith Swift,
There is more than $18,000 missing. How are you going to get back that money?
Antonio Gonzalez,
“First of all we need to explain to the public that it appeared that myself and the General Secretary were silent on this matter. We were not silent on the matter because we want to put it under the rug, what we needed is to go through the processes, processes of going through the police. The General Council, as the press release states, we have been cleared of any involvement in this forgery situation; myself as President and the General Secretary.”
Gonzalez says an employee has already confessed that he participated in the scam and has reportedly implicated others. Parallel to that, he says they will be pursuing legal action against First Caribbean International Bank since the signatures on the forged checks do not match the specimen provided to the bank. There were 36 checks and each had to carry three signatures, all of which were reportedly forged.
