Dear Editor,
GECOM is in gross dereliction of duty for its refusal to discipline staff for good and sufficient cause.
I commend Attaya Baksh, the writer of the letter under the title “GECOM must act decisively on Lowenfield et al for gross misconduct in the performance of their contractual duties in keeping with the law”, published in <<Guyana Times>> on May 26, 2021.
Guyana’s labour laws provide for summary dismissal from employment by the employer for good and sufficient cause relating to an employee’s conduct and performance on the job. Under Section 7 of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, a contract of employment without term limit may, at any time, be terminated: by mutual consent of the parties; by notice to the other party; or, by either party, for good and sufficient cause.
Good and sufficient cause include refusal to carry out lawful instructions in a timely manner; or providing fictitious and fraudulent information and reports to the employing authority; or for misconduct, inefficiency, dilatory tactics, insubordination; or for unprofessional conduct and behaviour in the execution of contractual and statutory duties.
Why is there manifest inaction and paralysis or hesitation by GECOM in relation to the conduct and performance of the senior staff of GECOM and other recalcitrant and complicit staff of the Secretariat in the March 2, 2020 national elections? Why is there no prompt disciplinary action taken by GECOM to replace the obviously recalcitrant public employees, who are public servants paid by tax payers?
Those GECOM employees who breached the Constitution and any election law in the conduct of their duties must face prompt disciplinary action, including termination and dismissal for good and sufficient cause.
Failure, or delay, or awaiting the outcome of court cases in a gross dereliction of duty by GECOM – the Chairman and Members of the Commission; it is a copout and dereliction of duty. The population should not stay silent on crucial matters.
Madam Chair, it is an insult to the electorate of our country. Court matters, whether criminal or civil, are separate and apart from employment disciplinary actions. Those who breached the law or commit any offence must be prosecuted in the courts, and bear the full force of the law. This is separate and apart
from any employment disciplinary action taken for good and sufficient cause.
Time for action now, GECOM!
Madam Chair of GECOM, do not hide behind the outcome of court cases. As an employer, GECOM must take disciplinary action without delay.
Sincerely,
Joshua Singh
