– Says reassigned former PS to operate from different location
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce on Monday denied that former Permanent Secretary of that Ministry, Karen Vansluytman-Corbin was barred from entering her office.
The Ministry in a statement to the media said that Vansluytman-Corbin was on Friday, October 9, 2020 informed that she was reassigned. “Specifically, Mrs. Vansluytman-Corbin was advised of her re-assigned position, job description, and place of work, which is the Sophia Exhibition Centre,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry said that on being advised of her re-appointment, Vansluytman-Corbin informed the Minister that she would not vacate the office of Permanent Secretary or accept reassignment. The former Permanent Secretary reported for work this morning, but at the Ministry’s South Road office rather than her reappointed location of Sophia Complex.
“Mrs. Vansluytman-Corbin refused to leave the premises, and it was at this time, the police were requested to assist in escorting her therefrom. It is only after these incidents that Mrs. Vansluytman-Corbin requested to see the Minister. On being asked about the intended issues to be discussed with the Minister, Mrs. Vansluytman-Corbin then indicated that she wished to remove personal items from the office. Permission to remove personal items under supervision was promptly given, and Mrs. Vansluytman-Corbin secured same before exiting the building,” the Ministry said while noting that the former Permanent Secretary remains a member of the Ministry and looks forward to a productive working relationship with her.
However, during an interview this morning with local media Capitol News just outside of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Vansluytman-Corbin said she was re-designated Chief Administrative Officer within the Ministry. She explained that she visited the South Road location of the Ministry to retrieve her belongings what were left in the office she occupied but the door was locked.
“I came this morning to retrieve my personal belonging that I have in my office and observed the locks have been changed. So I have not been able to access the office. I however went to the Minister’s office to see her and enquire how I would be able to remove my items and I was told to check back with her next week. So I guess I have to wait until next week,” she said told Capitol News.
Vansluytman-Corbin said as a public servant one always aspires to elevate and to be treated fairly and justly. When asked whether the police were called to escort her out of the Ministry, she said, “I understand that [the police were called in] but I don’t know why because I was not behaving in any way hostile or threatening or any manner that would warrant police would have to come to get me.”
Last week, the Office of the President announced the appointment of eight new Permanent Secretaries within the Ministries of Health, Amerindian Affairs, Home Affairs, Public Works, Social Services and Social Security, Housing and Water, Labour and Tourism, Industry and Commerce. Vansluytman-Corbin has been replaced by Sharon Roopchand-Edwards.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon has accused the Government of politicizing the Public Service following its appointment of the new Permanent Secretaries.
Harmon, in a statement, said the appointment of the new Permanent Secretaries while the substantive Permanent Secretaries, who were appointed by the Public Service Commission are still performing their duties, represents the politicizing of the system of Government.
“These sitting Permanent Secretaries were not consulted about the move and appointment of these new PS’s… This insertion of persons into the top level of the Government Ministries has effectively politicized the system of Government which is meant to provide neutral service to the people of Guyana.
It kills the legitimate expectation of Public Servants in the system and creates disenchantment among Public Servants who saw a career in Public Service,” the statement said.
