Gov’t defends worker dismissals, transfers

GEORGE’S (CMC):

Labour Minister Claudette Joseph is defending the decision to send home or transfer public sector workers in the sister isles of Petite Martinique and Carriacou.

“From my investigations of the matters, there was nothing wrong and certainly nothing that rose to the level of victimisation and definitely not terrorist act, as I understand was described by one of the union officials,” she said while addressing the matter on Heartbea t- a weekly radio talk show of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Last week, president of the Public Workers Union (PWU), Brian Grimms, called on the authorities to state whether or not several public servants had been transferred or dismissed since the Dickon Mitchell administration came to power in June.

“What we are seeing here is clothed in malice, is clothed in mischief, and is very very unfortunate on the sister isles,” said Grimes, calling on the minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique affairs, Tevin Andrews, who is also the parliamentary representative, to deal with the situation.

However, Joseph, who is also the attorney general, said that nothing improper was done, based on her investigation.

“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.

“So, there were good enough reasons and, in two 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.

The PWU has warned that it will protest the measure, pointing out that “every week we are getting new complaints”.

Grimms told reporters that, during the campaign for the general election, Mitchell and the NDC had campaigned on the theme of cleanliness, peace, unity, and development.