Dear Editor,
The persistent failure of the personnel division at the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) to ensure transparency and fairness in recruitment practices remains a pressing issue that warrants urgent attention.
Despite previous outcry and promises of reform, the entrenched bias in the hiring process continues unabated. The recent vacancy for the position of Billing Manager serves as yet another glaring example of nepotism and favoritism prevailing over meritocracy.
It is deeply concerning that the highly qualified and experienced current commercial officer, who has commendably served as the deputy billing manager for the past five years, was overlooked for promotion. Not only is she qualified, she possesses invaluable institutional knowledge and expertise in customer services, garnered through various roles within the company, but she has also demonstrated exemplary performance during her tenure.
Instead, the position was inexplicably awarded to a less qualified and experienced candidate with personal ties to the current CEO and who’s ethnicity aligns with the preference of the PPP government, raising serious questions about the integrity of the selection process. This blatant disregard for qualifications and experience in favor of nepotism not only undermines the morale of dedicated employees but also erodes trust in the organization’s leadership.
Furthermore, the revelation that the current CEO is the brother of the attorney general raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and further highlights the lack of transparency in the highest echelons of GPL.
The failure to advertise the CEO position and the subsequent appointment of an individual with personal connections further underscore the need for immediate intervention to restore integrity and accountability within GPL.
Editor, it is disheartening to witness qualified individuals being sidelined and victimised to accommodate the interests of a select few. The continued prevalence of such practices only serves to exacerbate the brain drain at GPL, as talented professionals opt to leave rather than endure a system rife with cronyism and injustice.
The President’s acknowledgment of the urgent need for more engineers, technicians, and linesmen at GPL due to system demand and expansion is crucial. However, there’s a pressing issue that needs attention: qualified and experienced staff are allegedly being overlooked in favor of individuals with connections to the PPP government.
This trend of prioritising friends and family over meritocracy threatens the company’s efficiency and effectiveness. The President should be aware of these claims and take decisive action to ensure fair and transparent hiring practices, safeguarding GPL’s integrity and fostering a skilled workforce to meet the company’s growing demands.
In light of these alarming developments, I join the chorus of voices calling for a thorough investigation into GPL’s hiring practices and the implementation of measures to ensure transparency, fairness, and meritocracy. It is imperative that the principles of accountability and integrity are upheld to safeguard the interests of both employees and the public.
Yours truly,
Name withheld
