PLEASE permit me space to respond, highlight and at the same time, bring to the fore the status quo as it relates to the lax in security at the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) and the absurdity as expressed by Minister of Human Services and Society Security, Ms. Jennifer Webster, as quoted by the Guyana Times on Thursday September 4, 2014.

While the Guyana Postal and Telecommunication Workers’ Union (GPTWU) acknowledges the right for one to have, and at the same time express their opinion, it is always best to be careful when making public allegations, especially without evidence.
GPTWU is very perturbed by the expressed public opinion attributed to Minister Webster about our members-dedicated, loyal and hardworking employees of the GPOC, who continue to work, despite the many challenges.
If Webster has any evidence of collusion, then she must without any delay, report same to the relevant authority.
The reassessment by the Corporation of the security arrangements throughout the establishment is long overdue.
Over the years, GPTWU has been engaging Management of the GPOC on the issue of security for Post Offices throughout the country, to no avail.
The records will show that over time the Corporation has been robbed of millions of dollars and still, no serious effort has been made for any security enhancements, be it at the level of management or the level of the State.
The issue of security cannot and must not be dealt with, “in a piece-meal fashion.”
Over the years, the usual cry is that, “because of limited financial resources, the Corporation would be hard-pressed to implement a comprehensive and effective security plan.”
However, while we cannot outline in detail some suggestions that were implemented, the Union still believes that Management needs to be much more proactive.
Temporary measures, after a robbery would have been committed, are ineffective. If the Corporation is serious about preventing the loss of our assets, then there has to be an investment in security.
Government also has a role to play, since the Agency Fees that are being paid to the Corporation for the paying of Old Age Pensioners and Public Assistance recipients, cannot take care of the astronomical security and other related costs involved in making those monthly payments.
Speaking to the Police Commissioner for the police to investigate is not a route that is difficult. The police have their work to do and Minister Webster must allow them to so do, without her involvement.
Rather than making unsubstantiated allegations, Minister Webster should look at implementing measures that will reduce the need for excess cash at Post Offices.
GPOC provides essential services to the citizens of our country. Therefore, the Corporation must be given the necessary assistance from the State so as to enhance the security of its employees, customers and assets.
It might be best if Webster can initiate some sort of meaningful confab at the Cabinet level in order to save the Guyana Post Office Corporation.
If Minister Webster has evidence of any form of collusion, she ought to give the information to the relevant agency; otherwise, her personal suggestion(s) might work against her.

MR. HAROLD SHEPHERD
President, GPTWU