PPP lashes out at govt for sending two Permanent Secretaries on leave

Last Updated on Saturday, 30 May 2015, 21:10 by GxMedia

The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) on Saturday confirmed that two Permanent Secretaries, who had been openly campaigning for that party for the recently held general elections, are off the job.

Though no names were released by the main opposition party, Demerara Waves was reliably informed that those sent packing on leave are Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communities (formerly Local Government and Regional Development), Collin Croal and his counterpart at the Ministry of Indigenous People Affairs (formerly Ministry of Amerindian Affairs), Nigel Dharamlall.

In a Facebook post, Dharamlall expressed regret having to leaving behind the staffers he would have sent so much time with stating that, “Some of my best years were spent amongst the most innocent, loving people.” He was optimistic that, “I will be back soon.”

Croal refused a comment on his dismissal when contacted by the new site. He did state however intentions to remain in the country and possibility render his services in other capacities.

Reacting, the PPP condemned the decision to send home the PSs from May 29 as well as action taken against the Director of Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), Ann Green over a brouhaha with Minster Simona Broomes. “We note the unlawful removal from office of two Permanent Secretaries, the dismissal of several employees in government and state agencies, the demotion and transfer, as well as, the reduction of remuneration of most of the Presidential Guards and the capricious disciplinary sanction imposed on a senior official of the Child Care and Protection Agency. This is a vulgar campaign of political and ethnic discrimination. These employees are punished simply on the basis of their perceived professional support for the Peoples Progressive Party Administration and because of their ethnicity.”

Croal and Dharamlall’s counterparts at the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Alfred King and the Ministry of the Presidency Omar Sharif told Demerara Waves Online News that they are still on the job .

Sharif is the Chairman of the PPP’s Progressive Youth Organisation and he was one of his party’s key election officials.

President David Granger has repeatedly said that his government was not on a witch-hunt against political appointees by the PPP which had been in power for 23 years until its defeat at the polls on May 11, 2015.

Granger has, however, said that those electioneering Permanent Secretaries, who have resigned, would not be re-hired in those posts.