Industrial Court proceedings continued today in an unfair dismissal case.
The claim was brought by Philmore Beazer against the Barbuda Council.

The matter was originally filed in 2023.
Since then, it has faced repeated delays.

During the preliminary hearing, the Barbuda Council applied for an adjournment.
The Council said it needed more time to file its defence.

However, Mr. Beazer strongly opposed the request.
He is represented by attorneys from Marshall & Co.

Counsel for the employee argued that the delay was unjustified.
They said no evidence explained the Council’s failure to respond.

Moreover, they argued the Council ignored court rules.
They pointed to missed deadlines under the Industrial Court Rules.

As a result, they said the Council showed disregard for both the employee and the Court.
They urged the Court to reject the adjournment.

In its ruling, the Court voiced clear dissatisfaction.
It criticized the Council’s failure to file its defence on time.

Additionally, the Court addressed broader concerns.
It noted ongoing public frustration with delays at the Industrial Court.

The Court said lawyers and higher courts have raised similar concerns.
Importantly, it said steps are being taken to fix the problem.

Despite this criticism, the Court granted the adjournment.
It said the decision was made in the interests of justice.

The Court also cited effective case management.
It stressed the importance of allowing matters to proceed fairly.

However, the delay carried consequences for the Council.
The Court ordered the Barbuda Council to pay costs.

Specifically, the Council must pay Mr. Beazer $5,000.
This amount compensates for the unnecessary delay.

In addition, the Court ordered reimbursement of travel expenses.
Mr. Beazer had to travel from Barbuda to Antigua for the hearing.

Therefore, the Council must cover airfare and accommodation costs.
This applies once proof of expenses is provided.

The Court set clear deadlines for payment.
The $5,000 must be paid by January 30.

Meanwhile, travel and accommodation costs must be paid within seven days.
This countdown begins after receipts are submitted.

Looking ahead, the matter will return to the Court.
It is expected to be listed on the upcoming roster.

Unless both sides agree to settle, the case will go to trial.
At that stage, all issues will be fully examined.

Ultimately, the ruling sends a strong message.
Court timelines must be respected.

For employees, the decision reinforces procedural fairness.
For employers, it highlights the cost of delay.

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