Industrial Court judges have awarded former State Insurance executive Andre Knight nearly EC$887,000 for unfair dismissal.

The ruling followed Knight’s termination from State Insurance Company Limited in November 2023.

The court found the dismissal was unfair and procedurally flawed.

Additionally, judges ruled that the company failed to prove wrongdoing against Knight.

The dispute centered on an EC$9.8 million accounting discrepancy.

However, evidence showed the issue originated in another department outside Knight’s control.

Furthermore, the court found the company failed to properly handle the dismissal process.

Judges said Knight was not formally charged before his termination.

He also reportedly received no warning before losing his job.

In addition, the court found he was not given enough time to prepare a response.

Knight had served the company for more than two decades before the dismissal.

The court awarded total compensation of EC$886,909.90.

That package also included EC$50,000 in exemplary damages.

Judges said the dismissal was carried out in a harsh and oppressive manner.

Moreover, the court criticized the company’s handling of Knight’s medical insurance coverage.

Judges pointed to the company’s failure to offer him the option to convert his medical insurance.

The issue arose shortly before Knight’s daughter was scheduled for surgery overseas.

According to the ruling, the omission appeared deliberate rather than accidental.

The compensation package includes damages for loss of protection and immediate losses.

It also covers future losses, legal costs and medical-related compensation.

However, the medical-related compensation remains subject to proof of expenses.

Meanwhile, the payments will be made in three monthly instalments.

The final payment is scheduled for July 31, 2026.