Court says Williams’ youth director ID for PSC determination

Last Updated on Friday, 19 June 2015, 19:11 by GxMedia

by Zena Henry

Chief Justice Ian Chang has placed a temporary hold on the appointment of Alliance for Change (AFC) member, Trevor Williams as Director of Youth, ordering that his appointment to the public officebe determined by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Williams will have to explain to the court why it should not make absolute a rule nisi order which permits Williams to show cause why he should be allowed to hold the post.

A challenge to Williams’ appointment came when People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) Progressive Youth Organisation, (PYO), Executive member Saleesha Gafoor, moved to the High Court claiming that Williams’ post is one to be determined by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and not by an arbitrary means.

The Court ordered temporary hold on the appointment until Williams can show “the validity” of his appointment. In other words, should Williams fail to show the validity of his appointment, then according to the order, he will have to await an interview by the PSC for the post.

In the court documents presented by Gafoor’s lawyer, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, she charged that the post of Director of Youth within the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, is a pensionable one and any appointment must come by way of the Public Service Commission, which she said was not adhered to.

She pointed out that the post is one advertised within the public sector and that, “Williams neither applied, nor was interviewed by the Public Service Commission.”“Additionally, I verily believe that the said Trevor Williams is not qualified to hold the said office as per the job description issued by the Public Service Commission.”

Gafoor contends therefore that Williams’ appointment violates the Constitution and is “arbitrary, capricious, unlawful, null, void and of no legal effect.” The court requested that Williams show, “a warrant of appointment and authority by which he holds the said office.”

Court officials said Friday June 19, that the order has not yet been served on Williams who will have an opportunity to respond to the court documents. A date will be set if Williams is to take this route.

Subsequent to the court challenge, Minister within in the Ministry of Education, with responsibility for the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, Nicolette Henry said that Williams had not been appointed in the position but was among others being considered.

She said, “Director of Youth, that position has not been filled as yet…” Williams also confirmed this when he spoke with Demerara Waves today. He said he has not yet received any order, but understands that it may have been served on Attorney General Basil Williams.