Dear Editor,
There have been several recent news reports touching on public service personnel issues. At this time, I simply wish to say that, in my opinion, it is of paramount importance that the independence and professionalism of the Public Service Commission (PSC) be re-established.
In the appointment of commission members a real effort should be made to give full effect to Article 13 of the constitution, which envisages “an inclusionary democracy by providing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.”
I am firmly of the view that the appointment of all public officers, with very few exceptions, but certainly including permanent secretaries and regional executive officers, should come fully under the purview of the PSC. In principle, I find nothing wrong with contractual appointments, but once again these ought to fall under the PSC, as is required by Article 201 of the constitution.
Of course there is a lot of work to be done to restore the integrity of the recruitment, appointment and performance review functions of the PSC, but effectively insulating it from the vagaries of partisan politics is surely a good place to start.
In a racially polarized society, such as ours, the PSC is still relevant. There may come a time when political heads can properly choose their own staff, but in my judgement, that time has not yet come.
If we can find the will to see it through, a truly independent and professional public service can be the fillip Guyana is in need of right now, and it will certainly be a lasting legacy.
Yours faithfully,
David Yhann
