I’ve been thinking about this for a while, it is one of the main reasons for the depression bouts I’ve been getting into since I came back, well, that as well as the frustrating delays in getting to Golden Bay.
As everyone that has been reading this knows, I had a few problems in Honiara, this is the report I gave shortly before I left, with Tiffanys reply to Keithie added on.
I decided that I was wasting my time, and VSA time by trying to continue with the project under the circumstances that exist.
Here are the reports and letters. You can make your own minds up about the rights and wrongs.
Keithie,
My contract expires in February 2011. I have expressed to you
previously my wish to apply for an extension for another year, based
on the lost time we have had due to what can only politely be called
political interference in what SEB are trying to achieve with the
Nursery and Training School.
However, recent events make me hesitant about extending my stay for
the following reasons.
I can no longer work or discuss work related issues with David without
having another person as a witness to anything said or done, due to
his aggressive and accusatory manner when approached about anything
concerning SEB.
This became apparent a few weeks ago when Jason (Hasting Deering) made
a complaint about David driving at excessive speed through the Hasting
Deering Compound.
Tiffany refused to discuss this with David, and it was left to me to
inform him. When he was informed about the complaint, he became
extremely aggressive and accused me of organising this with Jason, and
that I was constantly watching and picking on him. And yes, I did
finally lose my temper with him over this. I was not the person who
made the complaint, but he was accusing me of having set it up with
Jason.
At this stage I wrote the letter that was sent to you for approval,
which was then duly printed and signed by Kim on your behalf as you
instructed. This has not been given to David as yet.
David has continued to drive the vehicles, and has not attended driver
training as instructed.
The 2 tonne truck was returned to SEB on Monday the 27th of September
with a broken passenger side mirror, and collapsed suspension. The
mirror has been replaced at a cost of $350, the suspension is
estimated to cost in excess of $20,000. There has been no explanation
given by David as to how this damage occurred, and when asked he
refused to provide any explanation to Adrian and myself.
He is still driving the truck during the week and after work.
Tools, equipment and miscellaneous property belonging to SEB.
David is constantly borrowing tools, equipment and small parts from
the SEB store. He does usually write in the register what he is
taking, but as he keeps the items at home for long periods of time it
leaves SEB staff without needed tools etc.
David borrowed the chainsaw for the weekend, this was returned in a
stripped down manner, and was taken to Power Products for repair.
Power Products found that the piston had seized, the con rod was bent,
and other smaller problems. As the cost of repair is more than the
cost of a new chainsaw, which we can’t afford anyway, we now have no
chainsaw for tree pruning and general work.
This week he took the power drill home, and when I asked him to return
it so that I could use it on the shade house he became aggressive and
again accused me of saying he was stealing tools and equipment. He did
return the drill the following day however.
On Tuesday afternoon Adrian phoned from Don Bosco Training School. We
have been trying to organise a contract with Don Bosco for the grounds
maintenance for a while, and Adrian had finally convinced the Don
Bosco Management to give us a one day clean up contract, with the
possibility of a continual monthly contract if we could complete what
they wanted in the time frame.
As David had already left for the day with the truck, at 3pm, he was
not here to discuss this with, and Kim managed to work out a quote for
$1750 for one days work for 5 of the crew grass cutting only.
This was given to Don Bosco Management and they accepted provided we
could do this before the Training School reopened. They asked if we
could do the grounds on Thursday 7th, today, as they had other
activities that would prevent us from completing the area.
When David arrived at work on Wednesday, I asked him if he could
return the grass cutter he had taken home as we would need all five
working cutters for the Don Bosco contract. He once again accused me
saying he was stealing tools, why should he return the grass cutter,
he has the right to take what he wants from the store and he decides
when he is finished with it etc. He then refused to do the Don Bosco
Contract, saying that if I insisted he would stop everyone working and
they would all sit there until further notice. He also stated that he
would be seeing both you and Bruce to have my contract terminated as
soon as possible.
He then left with the crew and both trucks and did not return until
3pm when he said he was going early as he had a rugby match, and he
drove off with the truck.
Thursday 7th he arrived at work with the crew at 8.10 am, and left at
8.20 am with no notification of where they were going, I presume to
the Memorial Gardens. He also locked the smaller truck and took the
keys with him preventing anyone else from using the vehicle.
As we have the goods ordered from Brisbane at BJS Warehouse, I have no
vehicle to use to pick these up with at the present time until David
returns the key.
Before I apply for an extension I would like the following areas
clarified in writing.
Tools, equipment and miscellaneous items (nails, screws, bolts, paint etc)
I would like to see all tools and equipment at SEB during working
hours. I have no objection to anyone borrowing tools at weekends, or
after work, as long as they are returned in a fit and proper state for
use the next working day.
If any tools are borrowed and lost, I do not see why SEB should pay
for the replacement or repair of these, it should be the person
responsible for borrowing who replaces or pays for the cost of repair.
Vehicle use.
I have said frequently that David is not a good driver, and I made
arrangements with Island Enterprises some time before Jason complained
about his driving. David has refused to attend, and accuses me of
picking on him or victimising him
I am not happy with David using the vehicles for his own personal use
at weekends and evenings. We spend a large amount on diesel as well as
the drums donated by SPO, I have seen the truck filled on Friday and
returned either half full or nearly empty on Monday. If he wishes to
use the vehicle for his own use, which I am not happy with to start
with, he should be paying for the refill on Monday at least, let alone
any damage to the vehicle caused.
Nursery
David is not a nurseryman, and has received minimal training in any
aspects of a nursery. This has not prevented him from wasting our
supplies of bags in repotting plants that did not require potting, and
transplanting others to bags that are oversized for the growth rate.
Any attempt to discuss this has been met with the same complaint, that
I am picking on him or accusing him of something.
Nursery staff.
I have a small number of the existing staff that I would like to
transfer to the nursery as full time employees solely in the nursery.
I need to train at least 4 up to a high level to be able to run and
plan ahead for the continued growth and production of the plant stock.
Also at least 3 of the men to work as nursery labourers, with the
compost, heavy lifting, maintenance etc.
David frequently takes all the crew out, there are times at present
when there is nothing to be done with composting or setting out. Other
times there is work, but David has the tools needed at home, or has
decided he needs everyone working outside. .
I would like to see a clarification and distinction made between
Davids role with the outside crew, and my role as Temp. Nursery
Manager in the interim while training staff to run the Nursery.
I do not want to be constantly dealing with problems of wasted
supplies, bags, tools fertiliser, sprays used by David in his belief
that he has the right to do what he wants as supervisor. He may be
reasonably suitable as an outside supervisor, but I am afraid he is
not in any way qualified or able to manage a nursery at the present
time.
These are the main issues I would like to see clarified in writing and
made binding, before I would consider extending my contract.
I refuse to work with David without other people in close proximity,
both as witnesses and as protection. He is becoming extremely
unpredictable in his manner and approach, and is constantly accusing
me of victimisation. If asking him to return SEB tools, equipment, to
not speed in the vehicles is victimisation then I am afraid I cannot
countenance working with him while he believes he is not responsible
for what he does.
I am aware that Kim feels insecure and threatened when working alone
at Ranadi while he is there.
Thank you
And Tiffany replied with this
I wish to respond to the following allegations made by Warren Nash against David and myself. Before I respond to these allegations, I need to clarify our role in the organization. To my knowledge Warren Nash’s contract was to provide training and upgrade the nursery. David’s role is to organize and supervise the day to day running of the SEB crew. My role is to manage and work closely with Advisors, SEB crew and the Chairperson to achieve the aims and objectives of the organization.
To my own assessment as the Executive Officer of the organization; since SEB got Warren Nash on board so far nothing much constructive has been achieved like help fill in the gaps that may need improvement in the organization and implement some of the programmes he meant to be doing. Instead he spent more time nagging about petty things from day 1 and making false allegations about SEB as a whole. Classic examples of his negative behavior and his false allegation are as follows:
1) his constant encouragement for David and myself to run independently from SEB.
2) often reminded us that Keithie doesn’t trust “small brown people” like us to run the organization without looking over their shoulder.
3) despite his knowledge of the sensitivity of the issues SEB have been experiencing with HCC and Forestry he constantly lay complaints against the Forestry officer who was assigned and authorized by the Director of the Herbarium (Ministry of Forestry) to look after the Botanical Gardens, which was resulted to the eviction of SEB.
4) complained that Keithie was diverting project funds for other use which was also mentioned in front of Chie from Grassroot funding that again resulted to Japanese having to manage their project funds.
It was a real concerned and a shocked to start with, especially when he was so comfortable making judgment despite the very limited knowledge he had on SEB. At that time I tried not to start making judgment, hoping to encourage new opportunities for the SEB crew and organization as a whole. To my disappointment, I’ve realized that this kind of personality will destroy SEB’s reputation regardless of the good work that has been achieved so far. This kind of working environment cannot be tolerated, SEB need positive people and a better environment to produce quality outputs as we have been achieving in the past years and still trying to maintain to date regardless of the situation SEB currently experiencing at the moment within the organization.
As I stated in my first email stated that I was not given a chance to talk to David about Jason’s concerned. Though David is my husband, it is still my responsibility as the SEB Executive Officer to talk to David including SEB crew about the matter or any work related issues. During the same day I was informed, David was out with the crew whole day trying to fulfill some of the SEB obligations under the MID Contract, etc. Not long after David and the crew got back to Hastings, Warren went out and confronted David about Jason’s complaint and that David is not to drive any SEB truck.
The next day Kim asked me to have a look at the letter she drafted and will be signed by herself on behalf of Keithie as the SEB Chairperson. I was shocked to learn that decision has been made without my knowledge, and my input as part of the team. As a result, my respond to the decision attempted was not presented in a professional manner but I knew the issue was partly explained.
With the Driving course that was recommended by Warren for us to undertake, I have liaised with Warren, David and Emery about the training. It may be a good thing to do but how the training was carried out was more a duplicate of what MID is already providing. Course materials were an advantage but nothing more than just another hand out. Emery and I did the course anyway, which will cost SEB $200 for 1 hour for one person, total of $400 and addtional expenses of $376 to go through MID Driver Test process to qualify us to drive SEB vehicles. David protested rightfully, that the training was a waste of time and money especially when he has already have the required driving licence to drive heavy vehicle as Warren demanded. David pointed out some of the priority areas that need addressing instead of the Diver Test Training, which was approved without any query whilst the following areas has been delayed and not seen as priority needs to be addressed.
1) SEB Crew salary increment has long delayed for 2 years, last salary increased was in 2008 up until now.
2) Food for SEB Crew as part of their Terms and Conditions of employment was cut back as the result of shortage of funds in 2009 and still awaiting approval from the SEB Chairperson.
With the priority areas of stated I considered him not doing the driving assessment course and continued to drive the truck despite the instruction. He is still employee of the SEB addressing concerns expressed by the SEB Crew.
David asked to take a Day Off from work on the 27th September 2010. When I got to work that Monday morning, I informed Warren about the broken passenger side mirror that was partly broken by Emery Elo (Assistant Supervisor) earlier last year during working hours. During that weekend, I drove the truck to Henderson to do my laundry; on my way back the mirror loosen up and slipped off the damaged side which left no trace on the ground. Warren was well informed about the incident which he agreed that we have to get a replacement for it. On the 28th September, David came into work and that’s when Warren and Adrian asked David for an explanation which sparked more tensions between David and Warren as David was aware of Warren being informed about the incident.
With the suspension, spring etc, as Warren claimed would cost SEB an excess of $20,000. David and myself was unable to confirmed any damaged until BJS mechanic checked and come back with report being negative, no damaged to the suspension was found or identified as claimed by Warren and Adrian.
With the use of the truck after hours – I can’t deny that we do use the truck during weekends and after hours especially when we experience water shortage in our community but this is not a 24/7 use of the truck. No doubt that every SEB employees who drives the trucks does a little bit of personal running for themselves as we do whenever needs arises.
Borrowing tools – we do borrow SEB tools because we spend most of our time at work and unable to do any work for ourselves at home. Borrowing SEB tools helped eased off what we need to do at home with minimal time and effort and returned the tools back to SEB. Leaving tools back at home, I do understand that it only happened once when we borrowed tools one weekend. Happened that David got ill and asked me to return the tools to work which I failed to do so. Again, I expressed my apology to Warren Nash and returned them the next day to work.
David and I didn’t borrow any more tools until Wednesday 06th October 2010; David asked to take his Day off as I was still unwell and then informed me that he’s borrowing the following tools and miscellaneuous. 1) tool box, 2) drill and 3) grasscutter. David knew that all mowing task have been completed and the other tools hasn’t been used for any nursery work during the week so it shouldn’t be any problem to borrow the tools to do some work on Wednesday. Later on Tuesday afternoon after David dropped me off at home with the tools he borrowed; Warren approached him later on and asked him to bring the drill back as he will be using it the next day Wednesday 06th October. Despite David’s plan to take his Day off that Wednesday, he took the drill and the truck back to work and decided to work instead. Again, Warren approached him and demanded the grasscutter that David borrowed for the day need to come back to work as he’s got confirmation overnight to do a mowing job at Don Bosco, which none of us was aware of except for Warren, Kim and Adrian.
During the SEB first meeting to resolve same issues early this year 2010, we all agreed in our meeting after the shortfall of the Don Boykin’s residence contract that supervisors (David or Emery) have to be involved with the assessment of contracts in the future especially mowing and pruning contracts. The supervisors have better judgment on this kind of contracts because they are the ones that actually carried out the tasks and knew well, the amount of time and fuel required for the job.
With the chainsaw, yes, we do borrow the chainsaw at times but wasn’t returned to SEB Office in a stripped down manner as Warren Nash claimed. The chainsaw was still in good condition with no problem at all. It was ceased during the pruning task carried out by the Assistant Supervisor (Emery Elo) and Equipment/Maintenance Supervisor (Andrew Solomon) who Warren and Adrian recommended to look after SEB tools and equipment. A week later, I asked my brother to check the chainsaw which he did and advised me that it will be very expensive to repair the chainsaw than buying a brand new chainsaw. I was hesitant to approach Kim again about any replacement as she was concerned that we just can’t keep spending money. Though I knew well that equipment like chainsaw, edge trimmer and etc are covered in the MID Contract, I respected her concern and decision about spending money as she is the one mandated to control the SEB finances despite my knowledge of how much money allocated for new equipment under the MID Contract.
David and I including SEB Team, we all aware that we are responsible for any tools lost when borrowed and will result to salary deduction.
With the contract at Don Bosco Training School, I wasn’t aware that Warren Nash have been trying to organize for the grounds maintenance and it is not advisable to allow our client to dictates when and how we do our tasks as we do have our own weekly programme planned for the week. If the maintenance job at Don Boscos Training School was urgently needed for that particular day on Thursday the 07th October, why was the Don Bosco Management delayed their decision until the last minutes? What will happen if the SEB Crew of 5 unable to complete the task that day? Who’s going to be responsible for any uncompleted task? Is it Warren and Adrian or is it the responsibility of the Head Supervisor? Again, costing of any contract needs to be assessed properly, not based on our “know how” to calculate figure that may be over budget or under budget.
With the Nursery, Warren may be right that David and the whole SEB Crew received minimal training on nursery aspects but this should not be prevented them from using nursery supplies to help save the plants when Warren was away in NZ. Before David used the new supplies of bags, I was aware that he approached Kim and asked if he could use some of the bags to try and save some of the dying plants. The reason David asked Kim was he need assurance that what he was doing was ok and won’t spark more problems between him and. David continued to use the bags to repot the remaining plants when minimal attention to save the existing plants almost down to nothing as the nursery crew spent more time turning and shifting compost heap. To me as the Executive Officer, I have no objection as it is for the good of the nursery, SEB and Warren who currently in charge of the nursery. Again the use of the bags for repotting was also another petty issue.
The bigger issue we should discuss here is the nursery plan, upgrade etc. When the nursery was planned, the Chairperson has the right to change anything she sees fit. However, she suggested that the composting area should not be too close to the office building which was ignored and left unchanged. During the construction of the composting area, David pointed out to Warren that the postings weren’t even which Warren didn’t pay much attention to it and suggested they leave the postings as it has already been concreted but David insisted and asked Warren to allow him to correct the error, which I suspect also contributes to the issues that got between Warren and David. To David’s good intention, it is the general public especially donors who will judge during the launch of the nursery, not us (SEB) which I fully supported. David asked Warren about the gaps left on the walling of the compost area; he Warren asked Kim to buy sheets of plywood to close the gaps and which cost the German nursery Account $300 plus each close the gaps. I do acknowledge that Warren is the only well qualified person for the nursery. Now as the Executive Officer of SEB I wonder to myself about his ability to build the nursery and length of time that took him to get the nursery built.
Nursery staff. How long has Warren been here? Almost 2 years; how much has he achieved so far? One training.
I am here most of the time seeing what happened. With the nursery, we decided that 3 to 4 people to be here working with Warren full time. At times Warren got things to keep them busy, sometimes they just sitting around or sleeping under the trees and not doing anything. Other days when we asked Warren whether there’s anything for his crew, he just said NO, there’s nothing for the day which I don’t quite understand.
With Warren’s comment about Kim not feeling safe and secure working alone at Ranadi while David is there, I see this statement as very insulting. What does he know about David, has David bashed any of the previous Advisors? This is absolutely prejudiced. I am not aware that David was ever charged of any criminal offences. I am not saying that David is all perfect so as the rest of us.
All these allegations, it is up to you as the Chairperson of SEB Board to make the final decision but I would like to further clarify the followings:
Use of tools – David and I thought that it is ok to borrow tools from work since we have committed so much of our time on this project.
Use of truck – As long time employees we thought that it is our privilege to use the truck whenever we need with the condition that it has to be looked after. The wears and tears of the truck; we have 2 supervisors who drives the trucks. Why does David take all the blames for the wears and tears of the truck? Is it because we garage the truck? To be honest, we are very happy to return the truck as it is the core cause of this whole issue. Why hasn’t Warren said a thing about him lending the truck for Emery to use for his personal use on the weekends?
I do understand that Warren is trying to end David’s career with SEB with all this allegations and other minor things he mentioned. One thing we need to look at is, he’s only here temporary and we’ll be left behind, to continue maintaining the work of SEB. As you are aware of, David is my right hand person out of the whole SEB Crew who I trust to do what needs to get done.
I can give you 2 options here, 1) terminate David’s employment with SEB, or 2) Let Warren go
For us to terminate David’s employment, I might as well leave the project and let Warren manage cause David is the only one I can rely on to do the outside work, not Warren so I am not looking forward to work in this kind of environment.
Thank you.
At this stage I thought it wasn't worth it anymore.
I'm waiting till the 28th now to move down to Golden Bay, settlement is for then, I'm going a few days early, so I can catch up with people on the way down, and just slowly drive down without any stress.
