Businesses are trying to survive the financial crisis brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but the management of Karl Heusner Memorial, the national referral hospital, has additional money worries. That's because one of the institution's former employees is suing them for a little over 1.3 million dollars.
That former employee turned claimant is Dr. Adelita Zaiden, and she says that the hospital's Authority, which is responsible for the management, wrongfully fired her without just cause.
In her statement of claim, Dr. Zaiden reports to the court that she was the former Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist and the Chief of Staff of KHMH and that the KHMH Authority was her former boss.
Zaiden recounts that from October 2016 to January 2020, she performed her duties as the Chief of Staff/ENT Specialist and that she had great work history at the hospital.
No specific date was provided, but Zaiden told the court the hospital's management entered into negotiations with her to increase her duties and her working hours. She requested that she be paid additional and adequate compensation for the increase in workload. The two sides never did reach an agreement on the new terms of employment, and specifically about her request for additional compensation.
Then, on January 24th, 2020, the KHMH Authority fired her, and in her opinion, it was without cause. The official reason was quote, "Pursuant to... the... Handbook of Policies and Procedures... and Section 37 of the Labour Act." End quote.
She asserts in her Statement of Claim that the KHMH Authority could not lawfully terminate her employment without cause or in breach of the Handbook. So, in her advised opinion, she was wrongfully fired, and that she is now entitled to damages.
She is now claiming special damages in the sum of 110 thousand, 6 hundred, and 16 dollars per year until she reaches the retirement age of 62. She is currently 50 years old, and so that's 12 years of salary she is claiming as damages, to a hefty total of 1 million, 327 thousand, 3 hundred and 92 dollars.
We were informed that a hearing of this matter took place today before Justice Lisa Shoman, but due to the court's social distancing and COVID procedures, we were not allowed to enter the courtroom. We also couldn't confirm if the hearing was done in person, or via teleconference.
Red Cross on Hurricane Help Tonight, the Belize Red Cross is making an appeal to the public, asking for donations of funds, canned goods, and even purified water to be made toward relief operations following the impact of hurricanes Eta and Iota.
The storms and their aftermath have affected thousands of Belizeans displacing and disadvantaging families across communities. It's a reality that compounded with that of COVID-19 and its resulting economic downturn has left many in desperate need. This afternoon we heard from Red Cross member Fredrick Hunter about what's being done and what you can do to help.
Individuals and organizations in Belize wishing to assist may send financial donations from anywhere in Belize to the Belize Red Cross Disaster Appeal accounts at any of the 4 main banks in Belize, or to their main Disaster Account #1082665 at the Heritage Bank Ltd. Donations received will go towards supplying more relief items such as food packages and cleaning kits.
Summary of New COVID Measures And, before we close tonight - we'll go over the new COVID containment measures that were announced today.
1. First, there will be a curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for 21 days effective Saturday, November 28, 2020. Public gatherings remains at 10 people at general public places, including the immediate household. Every organization is expected to implement work from home orders and/or staff shift rotation for employees. Government will Provide food packages and stipend to families in quarantine in conjunction with the Ministry of Human Development, Families & Indigenous Peoples' Affairs. Government will also Provide hotel for persons who cannot quarantine at home. And Government will also Provide accommodation and other logistics for health care personnel. There will be a New Health Education Campaign. Only restaurants with outdoor dining are allowed to operate with a maximum of 12 persons. Churches can conduct service but it remains at 10 persons maximum
2. Bars remain closed.
3. Gymnasiums are to remain closed.
