Latest update April 24th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jul 15, 2016 Letters
Dear Mr. Editor,
Before I attempt to give my opinion on what is taking place at the Guyana School of Agriculture, I would like to ask a question. My question is,
Is it legal for a Government agency to function for an extended period without a Human Resource Manager/Personnel Officer?
Mr. Editor, my question emanated from a situation where competent authorities have said that since the resignation of a Personnel Public Relations Officer in 2009 in the person of Ms. Brenda David, no one has been appointed for that position. In fact, there has not been an advertisement for this position which is badly needed to be filled. However, Management of the institution seems quite comfortable to have it that way so that they can continue to enslave and exploit workers.
The office the Personnel Officer once used to effect her duties is now being used as a storage room for papers. (Talk about wanting someone to fill that position). Mr. Editor, over the years, namely 2009 to present, many workers have been; suspended, dismissed, asked to resign or even transferred to other institutions.
It is of my firm belief that these things occur simply because there is no proper representation for the workers since there is no qualified or experienced person on the ground to even hear the workers’ cause or more so represent them. This Mr. Editor, provides the opportunity for Management to walk over the workers, an opportunity gladly accepted and very often used by the Director of Administration.
The Director of Administration, since his questionable appointment, has walked over numerous staff members and the Chief Executive Officer is just a facilitator as workers seemingly tremble and fear this Director. Mr. Editor, I was informed that there are shop stewards on the ground and also a union in place to represent the workers, but it is quite unfortunate that the former seems very afraid of Management and the latter moves most times at a snail’s pace or sometimes seems to be in sync with Management to the detriment of the workers.
This situation presents a great opportunity for Management to have a field day with the workers. If that is not enough, the recent appointments have been mainly of favoured persons and sadly they are entering the institution on a higher salary scale for their position and qualifications.
I was informed that persons in certain positions that attract a certain salary are getting less than the new comers even though they would have been at the institution for years and benefited from the increases. Can this be fair?
Mr. Editor, this should not surprise staff at the institution in question since Mr. Robert Persaud while in office had raised concerns about the type of Guyanese working at the institution and sought to have his way there. While in office, a deliberate attempt was made to hurt the staff by allowing the pension plan to flop. They did not ensure the money was placed to sustain the plan so the plan had to be wound up and the workers lost tremendously.
In all of this Mr. Editor, the workers were given contracts last year, they were called and instructed by the secretary of the Chief Executive Officer to read and sign; they were not given a chance to take home the contract so they can read and understand. Of course, most of them fearful of losing their jobs signed even though the conditions were less favorable. Could you imagine not getting any increase, except the Government increase? And leave allotment being reduced by a week or two?
How can this be? Does a Secretary also have this authority? Anyway, it’s all about power at this institution. Mr. Editor, I am informed that there is a whole lot more information and it will be overwhelming to be placed in one letter but I would really like the competent authorities to launch an investigation since human rights are being severely trampled upon.
Paul john
LISTEN HOW JAGDEO WILL MAKE ALL GUYANESE RICH!!!
Apr 24, 2024
Round 2 GFF Women’s League Division One Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana Police Force FC on Saturday last demolished Pakuri Jaguars FC with a 17 – 0 goal blitz at the Guyana Football...Kaieteur News – Just recently, the PPC determined that it does not have the authority to vitiate a contract which was... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]