Latest update November 18th, 2024 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Some observations on Thursday’s sitting of the National Assembly

Aug 11, 2012 Letters

 

Dear Editor,
Since I returned home in February this year, Thursday was the second time I went to the National Assembly to witness the debate on the two financial papers tabled by the Minister of Finance.
My first observation was the presence of two senior officials of the Ministry of Finance to assist the Minister in answering questions. These two officials would have reached retirement age almost a decade ago, and given their advanced age, it would appear extremely difficult for them to cope with the day-to-day full-time demands that are associated with the work of their respective offices.
That apart, in all probability, these officials would have retired from the Public Service and were therefore were in receipt of the usual lump sum gratuity and reduced monthly pension. Yet they are allowed to remain in their respective positions and enjoy enhanced emoluments as contracted employees with a twenty-two and one half per cent gratuity every six months. This would be in addition to duty-free concessions every three years for a reconditioned motor car and/or access to a state vehicle and a chauffeur, and 24 hour guard service, all at the expense of the state and hence the taxpayers of this country.
I am not against the rehiring of retired persons in circumstances that are justifiable, for example, the exigency of the work situation, or until a replacement is found. However, it is wrong for a person to retire in a position today and continue the next day in the same position at a significantly higher salary and for an extended period of time. Such a situation would have a demoralising effect on the staff of the department or agency concerned, especially the number two person who would have aspired to head the department or agency concerned. It would also have not only an adverse effect on mobility within the organisation but also a militating effect against attempts to have a truly professional public service. It also does not speak well for succession planning.
At the United Nations, if it is necessary to engage the services of a retiree, he/she has to occupy a lower position and for a short period, as a consultant. In other words, the retiree is engaged “off-line” vis-a-vis the authorised establishment. In addition, the retiree cannot earn more than $20,000 in any one year otherwise he/she has to forego his/her monthly pension. He/she cannot have both, unlike the situation that currently prevails in the Guyana Public Service, which may very well be unprecedented in the Public Service of other countries.
I recall my own case where the UN Board of Auditors was desirious of delaying my retirement by six months to facilitate preparations for the all important board meeting which took place last month, coming at a crucial point in the history of the Board. It was an exigent circumstance. Yet the Secretary General declined the Board’s request since he had already made it a policy that there will be no extension of the retirement age. As a result, the recruitment procedures for my replacement had to be fast-tracked to ensure that my successor was in place before I demitted office.
It is my sincere hope that those in authority will reflect on the issue I have raised and take appropriate measures to address what I consider a significant deficiency in our system of governance. In the interest of keeping this letter short, I shall address my other observations in another letter (s).
Anand Goolsarran

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 15th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Brewley’s ‘glut’ inspires Hard Knocks to ExxonMobil Futsal Championship Finals 

Brewley’s ‘glut’ inspires Hard Knocks to ExxonMobil Futsal...

Nov 18, 2024

-YMCA awaits in $1M Showdown on November 23  Kaieteur Sports –Futsal fans were treated to a thrilling spectacle at the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden on Saturday evening as Hard Knocks and YMCA...
Read More
Final T20 between England and West Indies washed out

Final T20 between England and West Indies washed...

Nov 18, 2024

Zion Gray propels Eagles to GBF Elite 16 Semi-Finals 

Zion Gray propels Eagles to GBF Elite 16...

Nov 18, 2024

Looknauth stars as Anacondas lift inaugural GCB betCageSports National T20 Title

Looknauth stars as Anacondas lift inaugural GCB...

Nov 18, 2024

Gold is Money wins inaugural Chung Global ‘Champion of Champions’ Tournament

Gold is Money wins inaugural Chung Global...

Nov 18, 2024

Afraz Budhoo – A promising cricketing star on the horizon 

Afraz Budhoo – A promising cricketing star...

Nov 18, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

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]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]