Commission to begin hearings on improving public service

Last Updated on Tuesday, 15 September 2015, 23:29 by GxMedia

Chairman and Commissioners of the Puiblic Service Commission of Inquiry. At right is Secretary to the Commission, Geeta Chandan-Edmond

The Commission of Inquiry (COI) established to inquire into the Public Service has reported that over 30 statements and memoranda have been received by its secretariat from stakeholders at home and from Canada, United States of America and the United Kingdom, according to the Government Information Agency (GINA).

This was disclosed by secretary to the COI Geeta Chandan Edmond who Tuesday hosted a press briefing and introduced the chairman and commissioners to the media. The activity took place at the Ministry of the Presidency’s Public Service Department, Waterloo Street, Georgetown.

According to Chairman, Professor Harold Lutchman, the COI has been specific Terms of Reference (TORS) by President David Granger and it is his intention along with Commissioners Sandra Jones and Samuel Goolsarran to ensure that the expectations of the President are met. 

Professor Lutchman further explained that this was done to support President Granger’s vision for a modern public service and the establishment of a Public Service Staff College.

The terms of reference of the COI states that it is to inquire into, report on, and make recommendations on the role, functions, recruitment process, remuneration and conditions of service for public servants. The Commission is also expected to determine measures to improve the efficiency of the public service. There will also be a detailed examination of how the salaries and wages are determined and allocated.

The Commission is expected to have a life of three to five months with the possibility of a renewal should the Commissioners feel the need for more time. The public hearings, which are opened to the general public for oral presentations will be conducted at the Secretariat Building of the Public Service Ministry on Waterloo Street, Georgetown.

The Commission’s secretariat has also put out notices asking for these submissions to be emailed to publicservantscommission@gmail.com or forwarded to the Secretariat’s address. Further enquires can be made to the Commission Secretariat by telephoning 225-4321.

This Commission was established by President David Granger whose intention is to set a higher standard for public service. The President had also indicated that while this is being done, the current training division of the Public Service Ministry would be upgraded into the Public Service Staff College.