GPSU yet to submit financial statements; subvention not released

…Govt remains open to discussions to resolve issue – Finance Minister

Questioned by the Opposition on whether the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) would receive its annual $2 million subvention — funds that often return to the Consolidated Fund — Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance & Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, highlighted that the GPSU had not submitted audited financial statements, resulting in the funds not being disbursed.
However, noting that Government remains open to discussing the issue with a view to having it resolved, Dr Singh said, “Historically, we have been asking for audited financial statements to be submitted by not only the GPSU, but also by other entities for whom a subvention has been budgeted. In this instance, I am advised that the GPSU did not submit their audited financial statements, which resulted in us not releasing the subvention.”
He added, “I am perfectly happy to have a conversation with the GPSU on what the parties can do to perhaps remedy that situation and ensure they receive the resources we have budgeted for them.”
Highlighting the Ministry’s ongoing engagement with the GPSU, the minister emphasized that a productive working relationship had obtained over the past year.
“Let me first of all say that we’ve actually had an excellent engagement with the GPSU during the course of the past year. I think we have had an excellent engagement with the GPSU; which has led to the conclusion of negotiations, as Honourable Members would be aware, and the signing of a multi-year agreement with the GPSU.”
He added, “For the first time in as far as I can remember. And I want to place on record the Government’s appreciation for the effort that went into this on both sides: on the part of the Government team, including the Permanent Secretary and staff of the ministry; and on the part of the GPSU’s leadership as well.”