The Guyana Public Service Union has observed the Government’s intention to arbitrarily use polygraph testing on those who are employed in “the operational arm of the state as well as Government Agencies”.

In this new initiative, the Government has blatantly and immorally exempted holders of important public offices and policy makers, including Government Ministers and Permanent Secretaries, from such tests; persons who are required by oath to lawfully and faithfully discharge their functions with outstanding and unquestioned integrity.

The Union finds this situation appalling and disturbing because within recent times many such functionaries have been the butt of criticisms and allegations of corrupt practices, abuse of public funds and even criminal conduct. Since the regime holds the polygraph testing process and mechanism in such high regard, it is puzzling to understand why such individuals should not be required to be tested equally as those mentioned above, with a view to determining their innocence and fitness to occupy public offices and positions.  

The GPSU reiterates its position that polygraph testing is not only illegitimate and unacceptable in so far as it is used as the basis for determining the truthfulness or otherwise of those tested. It is widely recognized that this mechanism is the subject of serious limitations and doubt, and is by no means flawless, a fact which this regime seems to be ignoring if not disregarding to the detriment of persons, their families and relations, all of whom could be seriously prejudiced by the results of such tests.  

The GPSU urges its members, workers and the public in general to reject and oppose this retrograde, unenlightened and dictatorial imposition. In this regard, it should be noted that this development has not benefited from discussions, inputs or contributions from relevant stakeholders and sectors of the Guyana citizenry.  It therefore cannot be perceived as in the national interest. The manner of its imposition clearly exemplifies the pursuit of narrow political objectives.   

Guyana Public Service Union

160 Regent and New Garden Streets

Bourda

GEORGETOWN

August 11, 2009