Members of Public Service Commission sworn-in

Jul 14, 2023 News

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– as Opposition objects to two nominees with close ties to PPP

Kaieteur News – Defying objections from the opposition, President Irfaan Ali on Thursday swore in the new members of the Public Service Commission.

The six members of the commission include: Manniram Prashad, Maurice Rudranauth Gajadhar, Melcita Agatha Bovell, Chandrawati Leila Ramson, Mohandatt Goolsarran, and Janice Isabella Bowen. They all took their oaths before President Ali at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown.

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton had questioned the independence and political-neutrality of Ramson and Bovell. Ramson is the wife of former Legal Affairs Minister, Charles Ramson as well as the mother of Culture Youth and Sports Minister, Charles Ramson Jr. Bovell for her part, a former assistant chief education is said to have cozy relationship with a sitting government minister and this the opposition says render these two candidates ineligible for the posts.  President Ali had dispatched a letter with the names of Bovell, Ramson and Maurice Rudranauth Gajadhar to Norton back in June for his approval and consultations. Norton however, while supporting Gajadhar’s nomination objected to Bovell and Ramson. In his response to Ali, Norton shared: “In the case of Ms. Melcita Bovell and Mrs. Leila Ramson, they have a history of involvement in partisan politics or close links to a political party and or political party senior operatives.” In responding to Norton, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira said both Ramson and Bovell had served the country with distinction. “Mrs. Leila Ramson served on the independent Teaching Service Commission established by the Constitution as a member thereof for 12 consecutive years commencing in the year 1994, and then served as Chairperson of the said Commission for another 10 years – all without legal challenge,” Teixeira stated. Speaking about Bovell, Teixeira said although an allegation of political association was made against her no details were provided that would permit either an interrogation or a considered response.

“Please be informed that His Excellency maintains that the three candidates proposed have provided distinguished public service to our nation as reflected in their curriculum vitae, and are persons of good standing. In His Excellency’s opinion, they are qualified to serve as members of the Public Service Commission,” Teixeira said in the letter dated June 27. Despite this the Opposition maintained its objections to Ramson and Bovell pointing out: “It is noted, particularly, in the instance of Mrs. Leila Ramson, that you have failed to offer any comment or position on the indisputable fact that Mrs. Leila Ramson is the wife of a former Attorney General Minister of Legal Affairs under a PPP/C government and mother of the current Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture of the Current PPP/C Government,” APNU MP Roysdale Forde SC writing on behalf of Norton had said, while adding that Bovell is “known to be a close associate of a senior political party operative which brings into question her ability to be independent.”

The PSC is a constitutional body outlined in Articles 200 to 205 of the Constitution of Guyana. Its primary responsibility is to oversee Guyana’s public service. In his address to the newly appointed members, President Ali emphasised the crucial role of the constitutional body, stating that the PSC assumes its role during a significant period of transformative change for Guyana.

The president stated that the transformation necessitates a shift in the cultural composition, specifically emphasising the importance of transparency, accountability, efficiency, reliability, and credibility within the public sector. “It is our benefit as a country and as a people that we not only hold public officers accountable…but very important in this process of transformation, that productivity and delivery become an important output of the public service,” he said.

On the other hand, President Ali said the government is responsible for ensuring public servants are proficient by ensuring they possess the appropriate skills through access to quality educational opportunities. Additionally, the public service is transforming in response to technological advancements and the evolving global landscape, the president noted.

Importantly, he said the administration is taking aggressive steps to implement a range of measures aimed at improving the standard of living for public servants. This will include a comprehensive remuneration package. “Not salaries alone, but a package that allows them to enjoy a higher quality of life here in Guyana,” he outlined.

Within this context, the president underscored that the commission is tasked with the important responsibility of ensuring that the public service is staffed with individuals who have the requisite skills, knowledge, and experience to effectively serve the people and drive the country’s development. Moreover, he stressed that the government remains committed to creating an environment where the commission can discharge its function without fear or favour.

“The Government of Guyana recognises and respects the need for an independent and impartial Public Service Commission. The commission can be assured that there will be no political interference in the discharge of this mandate,” he said. According to Article 200(1), the PSC is composed of six members.  Three members are appointed by the president after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. Two members are nominated by the National Assembly, and the remaining member is nominated by the president at his discretion. The PSC’s powers include making appointments to public offices and exercising disciplinary control over individuals in such positions. These functions are outlined in Article 135(1) of the Constitution.

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• Chandrawati Leila Ramson, Manniram Prashad, Maurice Rudranauth Gajadhar, Melcita Agatha Bovell, Mohandatt Goolsarran

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