FEATURED prominently in the press recently was Chairman of the Governing Board of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Rawle Lucas, who is now being blamed by a local union for creating hostility and insecurity at the tax- regulation agency. In a statement issued to the press on Friday, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) sought to register its observation which is that external interference by Lucas has caused this unfortunate situation at the organisation.
“GPSU wishes to note its observations that the external interference of Mr Rawle Lucas, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Revenue Authority has moved the environment of the organisation to a hostile and insecure one for staff at all levels, evidently resulting in low morale and motivation,” the statement noted.
According to the union which represents public servants across the country, its executive council stands in support of its members who are employed by the GRA and who are currently being confronted with unwarranted challenges.
The GPSU in its statement reasoned that the actions taken by the chairman, particularly those recently executed, may be deemed excessive and above that authorised by Act No. 13 of the Revenue Authority Act 1996 Revised Edition 2004.
The union contended that there seems to be a continued culture of the past, which is to effect promotions which disposed experienced and qualified staff, and to terminate and dismiss staff at will without due process.
Additionally, the GPSU highlighted that it is also offended with the “unfair categorization” of the staff as being untrustworthy and apparently undermining authority and revenue targets, which by virtue of their employment are their fundamental roles.
Given this prevailing situation, the union noted that it felt compelled to bring these concerns to the attention of President David Granger, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and the Attorney General, Basil Williams.
Meanwhile, they also sought to remind staff that the union would stand resolutely with them throughout all challenges and excessive action being meted out arbitrarily and without merit.
“We however, urged all staff to maintain their professionalism and to continue to deliver quality service to the public which enhances the image of the Revenue Authority in the national interest,” the GPSU said in its statement.
Lucas, who is not an executive chairman, admitted recently that highly sensitive government documents are stored at his office at the Critchlow Labour College, because of his concerns about security and confidentiality at the GRA.
He was at the time responding to an anonymous letter which suggested that he was abusing his authority and awarding benefits to himself at the expense of the authority. He said he felt the need for the public to understand the context in which he delivers service to the GRA.
However, Lucas failed to respond to the writer’s suggestions that he was making unilateral decisions at GRA and that his actions have resulted in low staff morale.
Lucas was also criticised for reportedly hiring a student of his to serve as his personal assistant and awarding her a manager’s salary.
