Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Agriculture George Jarvis on Friday bemoaned the level of uncertainty under which contracted workers operate in the public sector.
Jarvis was at the time testifying before the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Public Service, at the Department of Public Service Build-ing, at Waterloo Street, Georgetown.
The “whole business of contracts is one of the main things that would demoralise the public service,” he told commissioners Professor Harold Lutchman (Chairman), Sandra Jones and Samuel Goolsarran.
Referring to clause 7A of what he referred to as the standard contract which they sign, Jarvis, who said he himself is under contract, likened the entire process to that of the proverbial “sword of Damocles” hanging over one’s head.
The clause states, “government may at any time determine the engagement of the person engaged on giving him or her notice in writing or paying one month’s salary in lieu of such notice.”
He said that in the case of the PS it is three months and the period may vary in other capacities.
Notwithstanding the different periods, however, Jarvis said that irrespective of performance, diligence, attendance and punctuality, a person can arrive at work and be given notice.
The PS also raised the issue of some workers who are not paid salary increases after achieving higher education.
He noted that in one instance, a person returned to Guyana after being awarded a Master’s Degree but was not given an increase to recognise the new qualification.
Commissioner Jones, however, pointed out that a proper inventory must be done by the ministry before making such an investment in a person, so as to ensure that there is a need for the person’s qualification in the particular field.
She noted that the norm in the public service would generally not be to retain a person once their line of qualifications cannot be utilised in a specific organisation. She added that such a person embarking on elevation, must be aware of such dynamics, so that they understand prior, that there will be no salary increase.
This, she said, will allow for more informed decisions to be made by both the ministry and employee.
Testifying on Friday also was Joslyn McKenzie, PS of the Department of Natural Resources, who said there is urgent need for changes to the current image of the public service.
McKenzie said that while salaries play a part in enhancing the public service, it is not the sole determining factor.
Echoing Jarvis’ sentiments, he opined that there needs to be greater security of tenure, especially among the contracted workers. McKenzie said too that employees must be confident that management has their best interest at heart.
According to this PS, appraisals need to be done on a more regular basis also, in a bid to ensuring promotions. He also suggested the return of morals and values and the need for employees to take pride in what they do.
The CoI was set up by President David Granger to inquire into, report on, and make recommendations on the role, functions, recruitment process, remuneration and conditions of service for public servants.
