The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has noted comments in the Media attributed to the Hon. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Robert Persaud on a proposed restructuring of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). As it relates to these comments, the Union makes the following observations.

The most recent comprehensive program for the modernization of the GGMC commenced in 2007 when that agency participated fully in the Government of Guyana Public Management Modernisation Programme (PMMP). Pursuant to  recommendations contained in a Performance Improvement Plan  (PIP) crafted under the PMMP the Board approved maturity matrices for

(a) performance management;

(b) financial management;

(c) human resources management;

(d) accountability framework; governance and regulation; and

(e) information technology.

Key areas in which GGMC took action are as follows, viz:-

1.     The implementation of a five year strategic plan over the years 2008-2012.

2.    An Information Technology Study and Plan for the computerization of the Commission.

3.    The pursuance of International Standard Organisation (ISO) certification commencing with the Land Management Department which achieved certification in March 2011.

4.    A consultancy by S.V Jones Associates to guide the implementation of the Human Resource Management recommendation. The S.V. Jones Associates report recommendations were progressively implemented by the GGMC.

The GGMC has therefore progressed and there has been a series of tremendous developments to which the current management have developed intimate knowledge and acquaintance.

The GPSU in recognition of the improved efficiency and effectiveness in the operations of the Commission and the aspirations to achieve even higher standards of performance from employees from initiatives taken, the Union’s Executive Council mandated that the Commission be informed of our a support in this regard conveyed by letter sent on May 19, 2010.

Hence, it seems strange for the Minister to suggest that the GGMC has not been keeping abreast with developments in that industry or as he put it “a 20th century organization serving a 21^st century sector”. Further, the claims of the Minister has put the Hon. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in an untenable position given that Prime Minister Hinds was the subject Minister and is far more qualified to make pronouncements on the mining sector.

With respect to the vacancies that exist and would exist in the future, persons were trained and groomed as successors. Yet it is rumoured that the Minister favours the appointment of an individual, who previously served at a junior level within the  Commission and left that employment over a decade ago. This rumour was not negated or corrected by the Minister, but if true, would bring the converse effect to the Commission, which would be to foist a man with 20^th century knowledge on a 21^st century institution. The actions of the Minister disclose an intention to avoid appointing Ms Karen Livan, who has given yeoman service to the Commission for over 30 years in favour of his preferred candidate. 

It is noteworthy that the Commission advertised the position of Commissioner in August 2011, but to date interviews of shortlisted candidates, who responded to the Commission’s advertisement, have not occurred. It goes to say that any planned appointment does not satisfy the requirements for transparency and would not augur well for the Institution.

The planned appointment of a new Commissioner of the GGMC and other staff seems to be contrary to the administrative rules of GGMC, as there was no mention of the succession planning and other administrative considerations that GGMC would have initiated. Rather, the Minister’s statements give the view of ad hoc impositions on the institution, without proper invasive consultation with its Board and Management.

While preparing this press statement I wondered whether the quests of some professional women to become leaders in their areas of competence were stymied by deliberate acts or their own incompetence. Reflecting on these apparent coincidences, which have seemingly plagued a large percentage of women of black ancestry, I find the names of Justice Claudette Singh, in relation to the Chief Justice and Chancellor position, Acting Director of Public Prosecution Roxanne George, Former Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder Allen, Acting Controller of Customs Ingrid Griffith, Acting Chief Education Officer Genevieve Whyte-Nedd and now Acting Commissioner of GGMC Mrs. Karen Livan.  And further I say not.

And now on the issue of a Mining School, which has been suggested needs much clarification given that the GGMC from its inception has been involved in the training of miners to the extent that mining and geology diplomas and degrees are part of the University of Guyana curriculum based on the initiative of GGMC and which that organization continues to be identified with and offer scholarships to citizens. Given this, much clarity needs to be given as to what is intended and how will it impact on the existing training available to miners.

It is therefore clear that the leadership, current structure and operational policies have  proven effective as evidenced by:

a)    Internationally the achievement of the ISO 9001:2008 Certification; and

 b)    Nationally, the Public Service Award of Excellence from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Minister seems willing to disrupt the smooth running of the organization without detailing what has changed in the vision, what has changed in the mission and what has changed in the strategic objectives of the Commission that may require structural changes.

Notwithstanding all of the above, the GPSU is of the firm view that the natural resources of Guyana belongs to its citizens. Constitutionally, the best forum at which the control and allocation of such state resources should be handled, is the highest forum of the land, Parliament. Hence such control must not be at the discretion of the Minister or Cabinet, especially in the present context of a minority government. It is therefore recommended that with urgency a Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Natural Resources be established to oversee this sector, its operations and to examine and review all allocations of state resources of significance.

In so far as the identification of the best structure to manage such resources of the state, the principle of parliamentary oversight must first be settled, before the structure is identified, taking the above principles into consideration. Therefore, the issue of a new structure to manage the state’s resources should await the establishment of the parliamentary sectoral committee. In this regard, the GPSU is calling on the Minister and the GGMC Board to put on hold all of the proposed changes and appointments.