PPP willing to participate in Public Service CoI

TIMES INT'L
(From left) Commissioners Sandra Jones, Chairman Harold Lutchman, Samuel Goolsarran, and Secretary Geeta Chandan Edmond
(From left) Commissioners Sandra Jones, Chairman Harold Lutchman, Samuel Goolsarran, and Secretary Geeta Chandan Edmond

The People’s Progressive Party on Monday said that it was interested in participating in the Government-sponsored Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service, however, there were systems that must be put in place.

The Party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee said that while it has an interest in participating, it is of the strong belief that the CoI was an unsuitable tool by which the terms of reference that were published can be achieved. He said the Party has recommended the recruitment of a suitable and qualified consultant to prepare a report on the matters identified in the terms of reference. When that is done, Rohee said, the PPP would be in a better position to provide its views on matters.

He said the Party has received an invitation to participate in the hearing, but the modus operandi which government has chosen differs from the Party’s understanding of how it should be done. The CoI, which commenced on Tuesday, has been established to inquire into, report on, and make recommendations on the role, functions, recruitment process, remuneration and conditions of service for public servants.

It is also expected to determine measures to improve the efficiency of the public service. Also, there is to be a detailed examination of how salaries and wages are determined and allocated.

The Commission is expected to have a life of three to five months with the possibility of a renewal should the Commissioners feel the need for more time. The public hearings, which are open to the general public for oral presentations, will be conducted at the Secretariat Building of the Public Service Ministry on Waterloo Street, Georgetown.

The Commissioners include Professor Harold Lutchman, Sandra Jones and Samuel Goolsaran.

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