— New PPP/C govt assures
The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government, on Friday, assured that it has no intention of “taking away food from people’s mouth, as its only concern right now surrounds former political appointees who are reluctant to move on”.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Hon. Gail Teixeira explained that there are still individuals who served under the previous administration that have refused to adhere to the Standing Operational Protocols in Parliamentary Democracy.
Minister Teixeira appeared on a live broadcast moments after an address was made by former President David Granger calling on the PPP/C administration to desist from what he said is a “witch-hunting” exercise.
In responding to the address, Minister Teixeira noted the new PPP government is not seeking to remove hardworking public servants from their jobs. The Minister reminded that upon the change of any administration, ministers automatically lose their jobs, and political appointees who are usually selected by the president of the day, are also expected to resign.
While two political appointees at the Office of the President (OP) have already submitted resignations, others are still to do so. The political appointees have until Monday, August 10, 2020.
“Unfortunately, there are a number of political appointees who were advised to hand over their vehicles and vacate premises paid for by taxpayers but have refused to do so. We are looking to address the political appointees at the Office of the President. While we have not dismissed and terminated people, we have asked persons to remove from government premises.”
“We want to assure all people that we are not here to take away food from people’s mouth. We are not here to take away public servants who are working hard in the system. We are not dealing with public servants.”
Minister Teixeira reminded that back in 2015 when the PPP lost the elections, officials did not resist what was expected of them. (DPI)
