PRESIDENT David Granger on Friday swore in Ms Petronilla Browne-Stewart as Registrar for the Public Service Appellate Tribunal with the charge that she must discharge her duties with competence, efficiency and fairness.

During the simple ceremony held at State House, President Granger reminded Browne-Stewart of the provisions of Article 215 A (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, which states that, “Parliament may, by law, provide for the establishment of a Public Service Tribunal…” The Tribunal was established by the Public Service Tribunal Act, 1984. The Act empowers the Tribunal to hear appeals from any decision of the Public Service Commission in respect of appointment by promotion of any person to a public office and exercise of disciplinary control over any person holding or acting in any public office.

The Act also provides for the appointment of a registrar, who shall be the chief executive officer of the tribunal. A vacancy had arisen for the position of registrar and that vacancy has been filled. “The Public Service Appellate Tribunal safeguards fairness and promotes meritocracy and professionalism within the public service by providing an inexpensive and quick means of justice for public servants aggrieved over promotions and disciplinary action by the Public Service Commission. The Public Service Appellate Tribunal was reconstituted on May 17, 2017, after an absence of more than two decades.

The tribunal provides recourse to public servants who feel aggrieved by decisions of the Public Service Commission. Aggrieved public servants, prior to the reconstitution of the tribunal, were forced to seek redress through the courts,” the head of state said. The head of state also noted that the work of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal must be enhanced by a competent and efficient registrar. (Ministry of the Presidency)