Maloney’s resignation a shock for bosses
I’AKOBI MALONEY was yesterday described as a trusted worker who impressed his superiors, and had never shown signs of depression or discontent on the job.
He was even cool and calm as he gave up his career.
Maloney’s two immediate supervisors at the Arawak Cement Plant, and a workmate who may have been one of the last persons he spoke to before his death, all said the young man was “quiet and private” and acted quiet, calm, and cheerful on the day he resigned, and later died.
Matthew Thornhill, Arawak’s production manager, told a Coroner’s Inquest Maloney was classified as a casual worker, but had impressed his superiors and had been informed his services would be required for another contract. “He worked well, and was an intelligent man,” the production manager said.
Thornhill said that on June 17 this year, Maloney informed him that he intended to resign, since he was suffering from continued problems with a back problem. “He presented me with a letter, indicating lower back pain which could be aggravated by climbing stairs. He even refused to sit down in my office the day he resigned. He typed his resignation on my computer, and appeared quite calm,” the production manager said.
In response to a question from Coroner Faith Marshall-Harris, Thornhill said he had had plenty talks with Maloney, and the employee never showed any signs of depression prior to his resignation. “He was a very positive person,” Thornhill added.
Jason Collymore, Maloney’s immediate supervisor as a trainee engineer in the cement production department, said Maloney “possessed good work ethics” and was always punctual.
He testified that on June 17 he spoke to Maloney who told him he could no longer work at his optimum, and was resigning. “It was quite an unexpected move, but at no time did I see any signs of distress. I was surprised he wanted to resign. He was an excellent worker. At all times he was respectful, calm, disciplined, reserved, and pleasant,” Collymore said.
Another workmate Patrice Knight gave Maloney a car-ride down to Speightstown around 9 a.m., minutes after he had handed in his resignation and left the compound. She said on speaking to Maloney, he seemed upset, not that he had resigned, but about the difficulties he would now face in seeking another job. (BA)
Tags: Arawak Cement Plant, back problem, Coroner, Faith Marshall-Harris, Jason Collymore, Matthew Thornhill, Patrice Knight, production manager, resignation, supervisors