Many members of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) currently acting in key posts are qualified to fill these positions.
According to a press statement from the GPSU on Christmas Eve, posts such as Commissioner of Police, Chief Education Officer, and Commissioner of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission which have been filled in an acting capacity for long periods, can be permanently filled by the same employees.
According to the union, it is difficult for persons in acting positions to “demonstrate the degree of independence and professionalism” expected from them during the execution of their public duties.
The GPSU feels that such acting appointments are not in the interest of the public and are contrary to the expectation associated with the establishment of independent commissions and boards charged with the appointment, promotion, discipline and transfer of such personnel.
The General Council of GPSU, therefore, calls on the government to remedy this situation in the interest of the public. These sentiments were previously conveyed to President Bharrat Jagdeo by Patrick Yarde, president of the union.
