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Rosan takes band firing matter to Labour Department

- maintains firing was political; said his drumming ability is not in question
Former drummer with 'Quito and the Edge' Joseph Mathieu Rosan is alleging that his rights as a citizen and employee have been violated by owner of the band Enriquito Rymer. Photo: Facebook
Rosan has taken his fight to the Labour Department. Photo: VINO/File
Rosan has taken his fight to the Labour Department. Photo: VINO/File
Rosan alleges that he was fired from the band 'Quito and the Edge' because of a post made on social media regarding Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool and the cruise pier development project. He said Rymer is alleging poor drumming as the reason for the firing. Photo: Provided
Rosan alleges that he was fired from the band 'Quito and the Edge' because of a post made on social media regarding Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool and the cruise pier development project. He said Rymer is alleging poor drumming as the reason for the firing. Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Former drummer with 'Quito and the Edge' Joseph Mathieu Rosan is alleging that his rights as a citizen and employee have been violated by owner of the band Enriquito Rymer and has taken his case to Labour Department.

Speaking to this news site some days ago, Rosan said officers from the Labour Department were persuading him to take the matter to court.

Rosan alleges he was fired from the band 'Quito and the Edge' because of a post made on social media regarding Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool and the cruise pier development project. He said Rymer is alleging poor drumming as the reason for the firing.

The drummer showed this news site a text message he allegedly received from Rymer telling him to stop making public criticisms on his Facebook page.

Facebook post

Rosan's Facebook post of Monday February 8, 2016 read thus:

“A few minutes after I posted a view to last week’s news “BREAKING NEWS: I Am Not Corrupt – Vanterpool On Pier Project; Some Mistakes Made” I received the following text – word for word - from Mr. Quito Rhymer:

“Hey Matty, you should stop with the Facebook accusations of wrong doing by Mr Vanterpool you don’t have all the facts, you are not...you need to stop! You are a civil servant stay out of people face brother man, just a fr”.

For those of you that know me, I love playing the drums. I played the drums for Quito Rhymer for many years. Tonight, Monday February 8, 2016, I was fired! I went to the usual Monday night practice and after realising that no one else came with their instruments but me, I was told that we had a meeting. In the meeting, I was told that my drumming was not good enough and that it was preventing the band from moving forward. After everyone said their piece, I was asked if I had anything to say. I told the band that I was the only one not made aware of a meeting prior to tonight and that I do not believe that my drumming skills or lack thereof was the reason for the decision made tonight. I then left.

After dedicating myself to playing the drums for the band for years, is it not reasonable to expect that I would be informed about a band meeting, as the other band members were? If my drumming were so bad, shouldn’t I have been given the respect to receive a warning prior to termination?

I remain humble and focused on my craft and no one - or their agenda - will get me down. 
Peace and love.”

Rymer not being truthful - Rosan

Rosan then updated this news site regarding where he was with the case and his search for justice.

“Today March 22, 2016, after weeks of pursuing the Department of Labour, I attended a meeting with members of the department and Mr Rymer to discuss the matter of unfair dismissal as submitted by me on February 9, 2016.”

According to Rosan, the meeting did not last very long “as Mr Rymer walked out after submitting a letter and stating that he does not wish to have a tit for tat, as a Hymac was at work on his property and that he is paying $900 per hour and he does not have time for this matter.”

He said after Mr Rymer left he was told by the remaining two Labour Department officers that the next step for the matter is for a report to be prepared by them and submitted to the Minister.

“They, however, advised me that I can withdraw the matter from the Labour Department at this point and take it to court. I then asked that they allow the matter to go to the minister. They reiterated that the best thing to do was to write a letter withdrawing the matter and take it directly to court. They further asked me when I will submit the letter of withdrawal to them. I told them that I would get back to them in the afternoon,” said Rosan.

Rosan said that Rymer has made it abundantly clear in his letter that he is not taking responsibility for the “violations he perpetrated against me and, to add insult to injury, he has lied about what happened and he is dwelling on his claim that I was not making the grade.”

'Strong record' of playing the drums

“I want Mr Rymer to understand that I have had a strong record of playing the drums. I have been playing the drums for more than twenty years and even if I never play again, I thank God for giving me the opportunity that he did. I also want Mr Rymer to understand that this matter will not go away. I will seek justice all the way to the end. I want him to understand that I am not concerned with his opinion of me as a drummer or as a man; I really do not care what he thinks of me as he is incompetent to comment on these attributes of mine,” he said.

Rosan said that in late 2013 Mr Rymer called him and asked him to play for him after his band broke up. “He told me that the band walked away from him to do more of their own thing and that the band also broke up due to a dispute between the keyboard player and the drummer. He said he wanted to put a band back together and that he wanted me to be the drummer. I did not hesitate to accept his offer because I wanted to be there for him. I was there for him when he needed me most. And now he wants you to believe that I was the one who asked him to play for him? What a liar! After the way Mr Rymer has handled this matter he gets no respect from me moving forward,” alleged Rosan.

Rosan alleged that he was discriminated against by Mr Rymer “as I was the only band member who was not informed about the band meeting which took place on Monday night February 8, 2016; Mr Rymer used his authority as band leader to influence other members of the band to disrespect and humiliate me publicly; with no prior warning I was dismissed from the band on Monday February 8, 2016.”

According to Rosan, Mr Rymer and several other band members told him on multiple occasions that they loved the feel and vibe that he brought to the band.

“Further regarding performance, Mr Rymer will tell you that I was always on time for practices and performances; I was committed; I maintained the drums at a very high level; I played his songs the way he liked them played; the guests who patron the Gazebo were happy with the music as they never complained about the band,” said Rosan.

Rosan is defaming my character!

In his letter written to the Labour Department, Rymer said the whole episode is a waste of his time and said he would take further action if necessary and if Rosan continues to “defame” his character. He said Rosan was a member of the band with no contract or terms of employment and that there was no expectation that Rosan or any other member of the band would be in the ensemble forever. Rymer said the decision to let Rosan go was what was best for the band.

According to Rymer, Rosan did not learn to play the way the band wanted and did his own thing. He alleged that Rosan is making the issue a political one instead of one of musical talent or competence.

“He was given many chances and simply believed that he was a better drummer than, in fact, he was,” wrote Rymer in the letter to the Labour Department.

Efforts to reach Rymer for a comment proved futile.

26 Responses to “Rosan takes band firing matter to Labour Department”

  • i from here (29/03/2016, 15:59) Like (44) Dislike (6) Reply
    Dude you don't have any shame ? You begging to be in a band ? They don't want you, if you are as good as you say you are, finding work in another band should not be a problem.

    I see you are having problems getting in another band so yes your drumming ability is in question.
    • BlackButterfly (30/03/2016, 10:06) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
      This is how twenty two people see this matter to click like? well-sah ,Tola really like to see people fall and cherish negative! it does not matter if he gets in another band. This is really not the issue here!
  • please (29/03/2016, 16:16) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Another fight.
  • keyboard Player (29/03/2016, 16:52) Like (27) Dislike (3) Reply
    Mr. Mattie Rosane, Please dont you ever call my name or display my name in any media House in your little foolish game you are playing because i will sue the pants off your A$$. Trust me. I dont play games. and you know me. I done talk.!!!!!!!!
  • Hmm (29/03/2016, 18:17) Like (3) Dislike (21) Reply
    If mattie play his cards right, he can get paid some really good money. @keyboard player... what a dumb move if u really are him....u just gave a whole bunch of people the incentive to find out who u are, what u about and the whole 9 yards... mattie, from what im gathering is pretty astute in what he needs to battle in court so indoubt ur name would have ever been mentioned. But like is said....ur comment will be generating a whole lot of attention.
    • lmao (29/03/2016, 20:39) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
      Stop being an idiot!!! The man had no contract or anything stating he was employed, he played drums for the band on occasion. What do you tell the courts?
  • Go practice (29/03/2016, 18:28) Like (16) Dislike (4) Reply
    Boss use your time to practice to become a good drummer.. Stop wasting your time on nonaense . Jump on those drums and practice 96 degree in the shade. Then listen to Bruno Mars drum solo from the super bowl and practice that. You have lots of potential. Practice.. Practice. Practice hard..You not quite ready.
  • waste ah time (29/03/2016, 19:59) Like (36) Dislike (1) Reply
    The same man that he is taking to labour, his wife is the boss of that department.
  • watching (29/03/2016, 20:18) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    And this is news ? There might be bigger problems in the territory . I would hope and pray this was the biggest one . Just sayin ...
  • lmao (29/03/2016, 20:36) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    If he is so good why is he worried? Why no other band pick him up as t his nonsense happened weeks ago? Schups.
  • Rootsman (29/03/2016, 20:37) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    Rosan man like Hannibal was the solid foundation drummer for quito back in the day he had a style all his own that start it all. this man had passion of them drums. he was a joy to watch by many. You need to develop your style go practice and Stop this nonsense bro who you gonna play with even if you had to win in a court... the man dem don't want you inna them group. grow up and move on...Jacka$$
  • Jury (30/03/2016, 04:56) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Mattie, ever stopped to ask yourself why the Labour Department keeps insisting that you take the matter to the court (quickly)? Let me help you. I suspect that they recognize that you beating a dead horse and wasting their time. So, take it to court quickly so you can discover you have no case cause anything short of a jury decision would not convince someone with your sad personality.
  • Music (30/03/2016, 06:48) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Social media will eventually lead to WWIII.
    What would be the basis for a court case? Reinstatement? Hardly. Compensation? Maybe, but the lawyer will take all.
  • Wishes were Horses. (30/03/2016, 07:49) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
    Watch your weight Nat. These musicians and singers around here putting on so much weight. Lord. Omg. Why? Guess they are not serious with the music. A big part of been on stage is looks. Serious musicians practice hard and work out a lot to look fit and sexy..its a big part of the attraction the appeal...I wish I could play music or sing. I would be good. I will be hot n sexy
  • Binocs (30/03/2016, 14:28) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    I've been frequenting Quito's for many years and this is the first go round for Mr. Rosan with Quito and his band. His drumming has always been suspect. Many a night I watch the bass player as if he wants to beat the life out him because of the way he was drumming. Mattie needs to seriously practice his craft and stop complaining. If you are being told for times un end that you are not living up to the standards of what the band is about and you're not improving, then something is wrong. The band has the right to move on without you.
  • Yes (31/03/2016, 06:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    From HS Matty been headstrong. It's a good trait to have but I'm not sure if he has grounds in this scenario. No contact no paperwork? The only thing I would say for anyone playing music back home is start having paperwork, be a real professional. Same reason why you can't even get your money on time (if it all) from Government. As they say, "If you see an a$$ ride it!".
  • moveon (31/03/2016, 15:11) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mattie your sister should advise you. You making yourself look like an A@@. Give it a rest you didn't fit in with the scheme of things for the band. Move on
  • My Take (01/04/2016, 09:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Reading all the comments (not necessarily facts of course), I get the feeling that there are two different matters at hand for Mr. Rosan. First is the matter of publicly posting comments about a Govt. Minister, as a civil servant. I have worked for the BVI Govt. and am well aware that civil servants, while they may choose to be a supporter of the Opposition, naturally as a civil servant, they are to be neutral while thus employed. That means that you should be careful when making remarks/posting especially in public places, negative comments against/about Govt. Ministers. Mr. Rosan has confessed to doing such. Mr. Rhymer did the right thing to tell/remind Mr. Rosan, who from the info. shared in comments, is a civil servant, that he should avoid doing such. Secondly, Mr. Rosan's dismissal from the band as drummer by Mr. Rhymer is a different matter. It appears, from the comments (which again - are not necessarily facts), that Mr. Rosan is not doing as well as a drummer in Mr. Rhymer's band as he believes. However, even though Mr. Rhymer does not have a written contract with Mr. Rosan as his drummer, he should have been given adequate notice about the meeting like the other band members as a matter of courtesy. While Mr. Rosan apparently claims that he was dismissed as drummer because of his public anti-Minister post, I see them as two separate matters. They are not necessarily co-incidental. I reiterate that civil servants (who are familiar with Govt. protocols and are willing to adhere), should not be engaging in posting negative comments about Government Ministers - synonymous in this case with 'Your Employer'. In my opinion it was therefore not political , rather, it was RIGHT of Mr. Rhymer to let Mr. Rosan know where he was going wrong in not operating according to established Govt. Protocol.

    Ref. whether there is grounds for a case at Labor by Mr. Rosan, from my knowledge, the answer is "No". This is also based on the fact that Mr. Rhymer stated that he does not have a written contract with Mr. Rosan. In the absence of a contract, it is also not mandatory to be given a specific period of Notice of Termination etc. except out of courtesy. On the basis of established policies and procedures, and facts shared in this article, it therefore does not seem likely that there will be grounds for a suit either.

    Finally, I am of the opinion, that Mr. Rosan, as a civil servant, should avoid going any further with this matter, as Labor Dept. rightly did, and count his blessings that he has not been a subject for disciplinary procedures for contravening the Govt's General Orders.
  • Well Sah (01/04/2016, 10:53) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't know what to say about this guy and his ego stroke. This looks like a family thing.
  • Be Bless (05/04/2016, 13:04) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Boy you grew up in the Seventh Day Adventist Church what are you doing playing in Quito Rhymer band? this is Satan territory. You are out stay out, use every disappointments as blessings in your life and get back in line with the creator, do your drumming in church and leave the gates of hell alone. HOPE YOU TAKE HEED.
  • WHAT??? (13/08/2016, 22:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is this your nine to five? I think this is based on the matter of principle, but it's being blown waaaay out of proportion.


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