by Linda Straker
- PWU president described transfer/dismissal as “clothed in malice, is clothed in mischief”
- AG: Transfers happen all the time …and definitely when there is a change in administration
- In one particular case person actively campaigned against transformation agenda
Labour Minister Claudette Joseph said that nothing wrong was done when the Permanent Secretary in a government ministry dismissed or transferred workers to other divisions after the Dickon Mitchell National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration was sworn into office after winning the 23 June 2022 General Election.
Last week, Brian Grimes President of the Grenada Public Workers Union (PWU) told the media at a news conference that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique had dismissed or transferred a number of female workers without giving them an opportunity to defend themselves as required in the public service regulations.
Describing the action as “clothed in malice, is clothed in mischief” as well as political victimisation, Grimes said that none of the workers had been disciplined verbally or otherwise in recent times and the section in the public service regulations referred to in the letters of dismissal or transfer are dubious.
However, Joseph who is also the Attorney General said that from her investigations nothing improper was done to the workers. “From my investigations of the matters there was nothing wrong and certainly nothing that rose to the level of victimisation, and definitely not a terrorist act as I understand was described by one of the union officials,” she said, addressing the matter on “Heartbeat” the weekly radio talk show of the ruling NDC.
“In fact, to speak of a person, especially a senior public officer in such manner might well amount to defamation. So as Attorney General I am satisfied based on all the information provided that there was nothing wrong morally or legally in the steps taken but that in fact those steps were taken in furtherance of the transformational agenda of this government because in one particular case the person was actively campaigning against the transformation agenda,” she said.
“So, there were good enough reasons and in 2 instances I understand there were transfers which happens all the time… and definitely when there is a change in administration in every part of the democratic world,” she added.
All those who running their mouths are nnp surrogates. That’s what they did when they label you as another party supporter. They look for their people..they fortify their base . That’s why they were able to remain in power until time catc up with them. They were vampires and vultures who suck the marrow of this country .This present Goverment MUST put their people in place because you will need them in the next four years.NNP thi ks and believe that NDC is a one term Government and will do everything to destabilize them. They must be expose and investigate to the fullest extent of the law. This has.been the most corrupt administration this country has every seen.Its time they.feel the weight of this revolution
Now NNP supporters are talking. NDC have to make changes at the top, they cannot leave those that were giving several jobs/Contact at the same time to NNP supporters while others begged and was brambled.
i do not understand why for one group in power when these same things are done there is no clamor but for another group doing the very same thing its abuse and discrimination . Somewhere there is disconnect in the understanding of what is normal for one is abnormal for the other. The one difference though was that Honorable Dickon did allude to changes at the top for individuals aligned to the previous administration. This is a clear case of animal farm where all the subjects on the farm were animals but it was found out that some animals considered themselves higher than the rest of animals. this is my observation as oppose to a position
ok, it becomes normal in your eyes now. How convenient when the shoes are on the other feet. Nevertheless you learn quickly on the job, i applaud you for that….”It is normal”….Just that it exposes the hypocrisy of politicians when not in office.
replacing or transferring persons that are managerial level and above seems okay(maybe), but I don’t understand firing NNP supports that work for little to no funds that don’t have access to critical information
Remember not every government worker is a NDC supporter or even cares about politics. as long as the employee is meeting their quota leave them alone.
What is the transformation agenda?; let me guess, continuing the iterative improvement of the country(building roads, schools, housing…etc) or doing projects that make the party look good
I suspect its leaning to the latter
Go ahead build the library, fix a couple roads then what
I wonder how long the word “transformation” will be used, it certainly won’t have the same weight next election; It’s just good marketing.
While everyone is entitled to their political affiliations, it’s time Grenadians learn to differentiate government work and political allegiance.
No one should be intimidated or fired for their political alliance. However, no one should their work to engage in political work.
There need to be a clear and strong policy against political interference and using one’s role to political interfere.
No one should use their workplace to politically campaign. It’s unfortunate, however, prohibiting political conversations at the workplace may be required.
Imagine, workers are intimidated and subjected political harassment because their managers or business owner supports one party over the other.
People should be able go work and concentrate on what they were hired to do without having to worry about political intimidation.
Grenada labor laws needs to be strengthen and individuals needs to be educated on the subject. Respect and tolerance of individual rights goes a long way.