SCANDAL-tarred former Public Service Minister, Jennifer Westford believes there is need for the ridding of “eye for an eye mentality” in Guyana‘s political framework.Westford, who is facing numerous multi-million dollar fraud charges on Tuesday evening called on the government to address the issues relating contract workers, who she told the National Assembly during the budget debates, are being made to enter a pensionable establishment. After congratulating Finance Minister, Winston Jordan for presenting this year’s budget early in the calendar year, she told Parliament that public servants are suffering from an “anxiety syndrome.”
She said the contracted workers are unsure about their fate. Westford explained that currently all contracted workers in government agencies who were employed under the PPP/C are being issued with application forms to enter into a pensionable establishment and according to her, little information is being divulged to such workers. She termed the move ‘undemocratic ‘and ‘unilateral’ noting that it takes away the fundamental rights of those workers affected.
According to Westford, the rules of the Public Service can be deemed the SOP (standard operating procedure) of the public servants, and they give an indication of how employment issues, such as promotions, transfers, training and discipline, and severance should be dealt with.
For years, she said, the category of workers in question have been called “derogatory hacks” by members of the government while in Opposition. Westford urged the subject minister to review the issue to ensure that the public service rules are followed.
As regards the contract employees, she explained that a large percentage of those persons affected are over the age of 45 and she informed the House that the rules of the public service indicate that on attaining the age of 45, persons must have completed 10 years of pensionable service to be eligible for pension at age 55. She said that there are individuals within the public service who are anxious, citing their inability to determine whether they would be joining others, whom she said were “unceremoniously” dismissed from their jobs after the current administration assumed office. She said too that this was related to their perceived association with former PPP/C administration.
Westford said this move is having an adverse effect on the performance of public institutions, since the persons occupying the posts currently are either inexperienced or unqualified. As regards the increase in salaries for public servants, Westford asked why collective bargain consultations could not be completed before this year’s budget, given the government’s close relations with the labour unions. Finance Minister Winston Jordan told the National Assembly during his budget presentation that Government will await conclusion of discussions with the various unions before announcing salary increases.
“The Government understands the disappointment this will create among public servants, but wishes to assure them of our commitment to their welfare and advancement. We ask that they give the collective bargaining process an opportunity to work,” said Minister Jordan.
Meanwhile, Westford called on the government to revisit the proposed increase in fees for firearm licences, particularly as it affects Hinterland residents. Westford cited the use of firearms as a tool of livelihood, specifically in Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) and by extent the Hinterland communities. She said persons in those areas rely on the use of shotguns to engage in activities such as farming and hunting to supplement their families.
During his budget speech, Finance Minister Winston Jordan announced that he would be moving to amend the Firearms Act to increase the annual fee for firearm licences. The fee for a shotgun licence is to be raised from $2000 to $5000; the cost for a handgun licence will move from $5000 to $25,000; and the rifle licence fee will be increased from $5000 to $40,000. As for dealers in firearms, their fee would be double the current price of $7500