Heads roll over trouble at the tower
Source: Agencies |
August 3, 2011, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THERE is trouble at the Tower of London, and heads are rolling.
The former governor of the tower claims he has been fired after challenging bullying, rule-breaking and marijuana-growing at the 900-year-old fortress. Major General Keith Cima was axed in January and appeared yesterday at an employment tribunal claiming unfair dismissal.
According to the UK's Daily Mail newspaper, Cima alleged he was fired because he "stood up against bullies" and uncovered financial impropriety and cannabis-growing in the castle grounds.
He said that after being appointed in 2006 he found "completely unacceptable" practices that included illegal raffles at the tower's onsite social club, unauthorized tours of the crown jewels and allowing young female tourists to stay on the grounds.
Historic Royal Palaces, the body that runs the tower, says the allegations of wrongdoing were investigated but no proof was found.
The tower - a former royal residence and prison that houses the crown jewels - is staffed by 35 yeoman warders known as Beefeaters, who also act as tourist guides.
Two years ago two male warders were suspended for allegedly harassing Moira Cameron, the first female Beefeater. One of the two was later paid compensation after management agreed he had been wrongly disciplined.
In a statement to Cima's tribunal yesterday, Cameron said she had been "absolutely devastated" by this decision because it gave the impression she had exaggerated her claims of bullying.
The former governor of the tower claims he has been fired after challenging bullying, rule-breaking and marijuana-growing at the 900-year-old fortress. Major General Keith Cima was axed in January and appeared yesterday at an employment tribunal claiming unfair dismissal.
According to the UK's Daily Mail newspaper, Cima alleged he was fired because he "stood up against bullies" and uncovered financial impropriety and cannabis-growing in the castle grounds.
He said that after being appointed in 2006 he found "completely unacceptable" practices that included illegal raffles at the tower's onsite social club, unauthorized tours of the crown jewels and allowing young female tourists to stay on the grounds.
Historic Royal Palaces, the body that runs the tower, says the allegations of wrongdoing were investigated but no proof was found.
The tower - a former royal residence and prison that houses the crown jewels - is staffed by 35 yeoman warders known as Beefeaters, who also act as tourist guides.
Two years ago two male warders were suspended for allegedly harassing Moira Cameron, the first female Beefeater. One of the two was later paid compensation after management agreed he had been wrongly disciplined.
In a statement to Cima's tribunal yesterday, Cameron said she had been "absolutely devastated" by this decision because it gave the impression she had exaggerated her claims of bullying.
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