PRESENT David Granger said the work of the Public Service Commission (PSC) must not be “interrupted for political reasons” or be politically influenced as members of the commission were sworn in on Wednesday.

“Intelligence, integrity and impartiality” were some of the key attributes he said the commission must have as it takes on the task of the delivery of public services.
On Wednesday at State House, the President swore in the six-member commission. The members are Vincent Bowman, Mavis Benn, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Mortimer Livan, Michael Somersall and Maurice Gajadhar.

Following a meeting among the members, Somersall was elected as chair of the commission while Benn will serve as deputy chair.

Speaking directly to the commissioners, President Granger said Guyana’s development demands an efficient, professional and impartial public service.

However, he said such reliable public services must inspire public trust which is not derived from political intrusion or any form of favouritism.

“Such a service must be committed to implementing the policies and programmes of the executives and to ensuring that the [provision] of services to all Guyanese continues regardless of the political party in office,” the President said.

He added: “They should be allowed to work without fear or favour, partiality or prejudice. They should look forward to careers based on the principles of merit. Their employment should not be sheltered or interrupted for political reasons or for the change of Government. The Public Service Commission’s task is to ensure the establishment and existence of an impartial public service by insulating public service from political influences and interference.”

According to the head of state, the commission’s appointment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to serving its people.

“The days of fear have passed. The swearing-in of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal last year and of the Public Service Commission this year is evidence of my Government’s determination to establish and maintain a professional public service. This ceremony reaffirms our respect to the independence and to the commitments to support the work of the Public Service Commission,” Granger said.

He then reminded the new body that the PSC’s work is enhanced when supported by a system which guarantees respect for the principle of meritocracy and structural bureaucracy.

Added to this, they hold the power to make appointments to public offices, remove and exercise disciplinary actions to persons holding or acting in such offices.

The Commission is now responsible for advising and assisting ministers of the Government in implementing programmes and strategies, delivering public services and executing public policies for the benefit all.

Speaking with the media on the sidelines, Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) prosecutor and chairman of the Commission Michael Somersall said he does not believe his work as prosecutor will pose a conflict of interest.

Instead, he said he would have to assess the workload to determine what takes priority.
“I may have to scale down… when I get [to the PSC] I will have to see what I have to do. Sometimes the work there will be more than what I have to do in the courts,” he said.
Somersall relayed that he was “elated with the appointment” and the first plan of action is to meet with the other members to decide what concerns or matters will be dealt with initially.

“The first course of business, I would say, is for us to meet with the members and decide what we’re going to do and how we’re going to strategise to deal with members of the public service,” he said.

Together, the members of the PSC will serve the public for the next three years beginning August 8, 2018.