Unbecoming conduct of Minister Keith Scott

Jun 12, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,

The APNU+AFC administration has been elected given the people dissatisfaction and disapproval with the management of the state’s business under the leadership of Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar. Previous governments have been held accountable through public media and the ballot in 2011 and 2015. This government has a responsibility to learn from and build on the historical development of this nation, and avoid the pitfalls of its predecessors.
The previous governments were held accountable by me and this government must understand that the same principle shall be applied to it. There has been some bright sparks in the performance of government ministers, among whom are Simona Broomes and Cathy Hughes, and this should be to the government’s advantage to build on, not cast aside.
In the case of Broomes, who is deemed a rights activist and was awarded for her role in fighting against human trafficking by the United States Government, when she was assigned to the Labour portfolio notwithstanding the absence of direct Labour experience, she was the best fit among the identified ministerial pool. This minister took the labour landscape with deserving seriousness. Among her first task was moving to enforce the Laws as required for both workers and employers where she brought about results, notably the settling of outstanding grievances, which contributed to improving the industrial relations climate and offered hope to workers that the APNU+AFC is a labour friendly government.
Broomes’ stellar performance was brought to an abrupt end with the removal of her having oversight responsibility for the day-to-day activities of the Labour Department. When she was reassigned to the Ministry of Natural Resources it was advised that she would also have responsibility for workers’ issues in the mining and forestry sectors. Even though this commitment was made to the people of this country, the fact that the required legal instrument to cover such responsibility has not been given to her, she has no legal mandate to execute the task.
Her replacement has done absolutely nothing beyond chat and liming at the bars in Georgetown. This conduct is doing a disservice to the labour landscape and is fast becoming an embarrassment to this government, even moreso when the parties campaigned on respecting the rule of law, rights of citizens/workers, and pursuing a Green Economy, all of which require a stable industrial relations climate. Presently there are numerous industrial relations matters that beg attention. The minister has not even taken the time to understand his role, responsibilities, and what are the day-to-day characteristics that embody Labour.
The removal of Hughes from the portfolio of tourism is a mistake similar to the act committed against Broomes. Hughes over the years has demonstrated a vision and passion for this sector. She worked tirelessly in this field prior to entering political office and her colleagues in the government would have been aware of this. Rather than allow her vision and commitment to the tourism sector to shape and influence government’s policies and programmes, that would redound to revenue earning and national development consistent with a green economy, this portfolio has been given to someone who has not demonstrated similar interest, zeal and passion.
While there is respect for what can be considered the political correctness in the statements made by Broomes and Hughes when their portfolios and evident passion were pulled from under their feet, like the proverbial rug, as a citizen, stakeholder and leader in this society, I am registering my dissatisfaction with the government’s approach.
This government is giving rise to speculation that competency and vision are not important components of its armoury in governing this country, and that the progressive women within the leadership fold will first feel the hammer.
Lincoln Lewis

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