PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Federation of Labour (WIFOL) is facing a storm of controversy as its long-standing president, Theophilus Thompson, comes under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement, lack of accountability, and questionable practices that have left union members outraged.
Thompson, who has held the position of president since 1984, has reportedly failed to call for general elections during his tenure, raising concerns about transparency and democratic governance within the union. According to information reaching SMN News, Thompson’s leadership has been marked by a series of troubling actions that have cast a shadow over the integrity of WIFOL.
Allegations of Misuse of Union Property
One of the most damning accusations against Thompson involves the misuse of the union’s building on Pondfill Road. Sources allege that Thompson has been renting out the property for personal gain, yet has failed to provide any accountability for the funds collected. The building, which was mortgaged in 1998 by Thompson, is a valuable asset of the union, and its alleged exploitation for personal benefit has sparked outrage among lifetime members and stakeholders.
The WIFOL board, which has been criticized for its dormancy and lack of oversight, is being accused of enabling Thompson’s actions by failing to hold him accountable. This inaction has allowed the president to operate unchecked, further eroding trust in the union’s leadership.
Involvement in Residency Permit Operations
Adding to the controversy, Thompson is also alleged to be involved in the operations of requesting residency permits for foreigners. Reports suggest that he and another union leader have been unscrupulously utilizing the letterhead of the Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions (WICLU) to facilitate these requests, raising serious legal and ethical questions. The unauthorized use of the WICLU letterhead not only undermines the organization's credibility but also exposes it to potential legal repercussions.
Union Members Demand Answers
The allegations have galvanized lifetime members of WIFOL, who are now actively investigating Thompson’s actions and the overall operations of the union. These members are determined to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable for any wrongdoing. The lack of transparency and the apparent misuse of union resources have left many questioning the future of WIFOL under its current leadership.
A Call for Accountability
The unfolding scandal has put a spotlight on the urgent need for reform within WIFOL. Members are calling for immediate action, including a thorough investigation into Thompson’s activities, the reinstatement of democratic processes, and the implementation of stricter oversight measures to prevent further abuses of power.
As the investigation continues, the reputation of WIFOL hangs in the balance. The union, which has long been a pillar of labor advocacy in the Windward Islands, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding trust and restoring its integrity in the eyes of its members and the public.
For now, all eyes are on Theophilus Thompson and the WIFOL board as they grapple with the mounting pressure to address these serious allegations. The question remains: will justice prevail, or will the union’s legacy be tarnished beyond repair?