Members of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) yesterday staged a protest in front of the office of Education Minister Shaik Baksh, calling for the confirmation of Genevieve Whyte-Nedd, who has been acting in the position of Chief Education Officer (CEO) for five years now.

GTUC’s General Secretary Norris Witter, left, was among those protesting in front of the Ministry of Education yesterday.

GTUC President Gillian Burton, who was among the small number of persons protesting at the Lot 21, Brickdam office of the Education Minister, told the media that yesterday’s action stemmed from a resolution passed by the Union at the last May Day observances to support Whyte–Nedd in order that she be appointed to the position she is currently acting in.

Questioned as to whether she knows the reason why the senior education official has not been confirmed in her position, Burton said that it may have to do with, “the government’s total disregard for Guyanese”. She said that there are other persons within the public service who have been in acting positions for a number of years, stating that yesterday’s protest action was also aimed at having the authorities address their cause.

Also joining the picket line with Burton yesterday was GTUC’s General Secretary, Norris Witter as well as Desmond Trotman of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). Stabroek News understands that Whyte–Nedd assumed her current portfolio several years ago when then CEO, Ed Caesar retired. While it is unclear why the Acting CEO has not been appointed to the post, sources at the Education Ministry told Stabroek News yesterday that Whyte-Nedd should have been confirmed to her current post, since she served more than the required three years she was expected to serve in order to qualify for the position. The senior education officer is expected to retire next year.