Dear Editor,
On December 20, 2019, I was given a letter by the National Parks Commission (NPC) informing me that my services as an employee were terminated. I was advised that, because I was terminated, I was entitled to severance pay and payment in lieu of notice. This is in keeping with the Laws of Guyana and the agreement in force between my union – GAWU – and the NPC.
However, the Commission refused to pay me my benefits, and said I was dismissed and not entitled to any benefit. I reported the matter to GAWU, who took it up with the Commission, and then the Ministry of Labour. The Ministry – after several meetings, and after considering representation from GAWU and the NPC – on January 5, 2021, recommended that the Commission honour my benefits.
Despite the Ministry’s recommendation, the Commission has refused to pay me. My union continues to represent me in this matter, and has been given several excuses. The most recent is that any decision on the matter must await the appointment of the NPC Board of Directors.
Editor, I do not know when the Board would be appointed. It is over a year since my union and I have been told that a Board would be appointed. I am appreciative of the efforts of GAWU, who continue to stand with me, but the NPC continues to deny me my rightful benefits. I appeal to your newspaper to publicise my matter for someone in authority to ensure I am given my due benefits.
Yours faithfully,
Lennox Stephens
