Former Appeal Court Judge Nandram Kissoon on Wednesday took the oath of office as Chairman of the resuscitated Public Service Appellate Tribunal before President David Granger at the State House.
The other members of the Tribunal, Attorney Abiola Wong-Innis and Winston Browne also took the oath of office.
At the simple swearing-in ceremony, President David Granger said the Constitution provided for the establishment of the Tribunal.
The Tribunal, established by the Public Service Tribunal Act of 1984, is
From left: Justice Nandram Kissoon, Attorney Abiola Wong-Innis and Winston Browne
empowered to hear appeals of any decision of the Public Service Commission in respect of the appointment and promotion of any person to public office and the exercise of disciplinary control of any person providing or acting in any public office.
He added that the Act has invested the Tribunal with the power of a High Court Judge so it can summon witnesses, call for the production of books and other plans and documents, and examine witnesses as parties concerned.
In Guyana’s Constitution, Article 215A, establishes the Public Service Appellate Tribunal to hear appeals of any matter which the Public Service Commission, the Teaching Service Commission, and the Police Service Commission or the Commissioner of Police is empowered to make a decision on. The matter would have to be reported to the Tribunal.
The Tribunal, by law, consists of a Chairman and not less than two other members appointed by the President. Someone who is or has been a judge of the Court of Appeal or is eligible to become a judge would make the cut as Chairman, while one member must have experience in administration, personnel management or public affairs, and the other person must be a representative of public service organisations.
Justice Kissoon said the Public Service Appellate Tribunal was there to ensure that there was a balance in the public service and public servants were adequately dealt with in a timely fashion. He added that he hoped to address public servants’ concerns in a timely fashion.
