The Industrial Court has ruled that former Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS), Pierre Richardson, was unfairly dismissed and is entitled to compensation totaling the equivalent of two years’ gross salary, plus additional sums for benefits and vacation leave.

The decision, handed down on March 28, 2025, follows a long-standing legal dispute that began when Richardson filed a claim in 2021 against his former employer, arguing that his termination in February 2016 was unjust.

The Court found that the Medical Benefits Scheme, a statutory corporation governed by a Board of Directors, failed to establish good and sufficient cause for his dismissal and acted unreasonably in terminating him.

Richardson, who began working at MBS in 1987 and was appointed CEO in 2013, claimed that tensions escalated after the appointment of Leroy Adams as Chairman of the Board.

He alleged that Adams undermined him and the management team, culminating in a breakdown in relations.

The Employer claimed Richardson’s December 5, 2015, response to a letter from Adams constituted misconduct and justified dismissal. However, the Court rejected that position.

The Court also considered the involvement of the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, which had advised that Richardson be reinstated and seconded to the Ministry of Health to support the development of national health initiatives.

The Board of Directors, however, refused to act on that recommendation. While the Court acknowledged the Cabinet’s position, it emphasized that reinstatement decisions ultimately rested with the Board.

Given the passage of time and the deterioration of relations, the Court opted not to order reinstatement.

Instead, it awarded Richardson compensation in recognition of his unfair dismissal.

Richardson was represented by Samuel James and Simon Leonard of the Antigua and Barbuda Free Trade Union.

The Medical Benefits Scheme was represented by attorneys Gail Christian and Jessica Zueter of Montgomery Chambers Inc.