Public service must be insulated from political interference – President Granger at swearing-in of Public Service Commission

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─ “Days of fear are passed”

─ Public Service Commission urged to insulate public service from political interference

─ Commissioners to serve with integrity and impartiality

─ Public service, the “muscle” of public administration

─ Work of public service is enhanced when supported by a system of meritocracy

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Six persons were today sworn-in by President David Granger to serve for a period of three years as members of the Public Service Commission (PSC).

President Granger, in his remarks, said public servants must be allowed to work without “fear or favour, partiality or prejudice” and their careers uninterrupted by a change of government or for political reasons.

In this vein, he urged the commission to ensure the establishment and existence of such a public service by insulating it from political interference, as prescribed by the Constitution of Guyana.

The president assured that “the days of fear have passed,” with the swearing-in of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal last year and the Public Service Commission this year is evidence of his administration’s determination to establish and maintain a professional public service.

“This ceremony reaffirms our respect for the independence and for the commitment to support the work of the Public Service Commission. The Public Service is essential to maintaining public trust in governance,” he said.

The Head of State emphasised the importance of a proficient and professional public service to the country’s development.

Public servants, he noted, are essential to the country’s administration, as they exert direct and daily influence on the lives of Guyanese, through various boards and agencies.

“Citizens access to public services…requires the existence of an impartial public service. Such a service would be committed to implementing the policies and programmes of the executive and to ensuring that the delivery of services to all Guyanese is continued regardless of the political party in office,” he stated.

The president highlighted that the public service’s work is enhanced when it is supported by a system of meritocracy. A reliable public service, he said inspires public trust and guarantees a favourable environment for human safety and functioning of businesses.

Mavis Benn, Vincent Bowman, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Maurice Gajadhar, Mortimer Livan and Michael Somersall were sworn-in.

The Chairperson and Deputy-Chair will be selected by the commission.

Stacy Carmichael

Image: Keno George