In a landmark decision today, acting Chief Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire S.C. ruled that the dismissal of Lelon Saul, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), was unlawful. The ruling brought to light the broader trend of politically motivated dismissals by the Irfaan Ali administration since it took office on August 2, 2020.
Saul, who had been employed by the CHPA under a contract with the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government, was terminated on August 25, 2020, by Minister of Housing Colin Croal, sparking a legal challenge. Retaining Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade, Saul contested his removal, asserting that it was not only politically driven but a violation of his contractual rights.
The court agreed, ordering that Saul- a retired Lt. Colonel of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)- be compensated for the 29 months remaining on his contract, affirming the legal validity of his position and his entitlement to compensation for the unlawful dismissal.
Saul’s statement following the ruling expressed his gratitude for the court’s decision, emphasising the importance of fairness, due process, and accountability in governance. “This judgment not only vindicates my position but also reinforces the importance of fairness and the rule of law in our society,” Saul said. He also noted that while no amount of compensation could fully undo the toll this experience had on him, the ruling allowed him to move forward with his life and career.
Political Witch Hunt
The ruling against Saul has resonated beyond his individual case, symbolising a larger pattern of political retribution by the Ali administration, From the very beginning, the new government embarked on a campaign to remove professionals and public servants appointed by the former APNU+AFC administration, many of whom were highly qualified and held key positions across various government sectors.
This purge extended to those deemed “collaborators” with the previous government, targeting individuals who were integral to ensuring the continuity of government functions during the APNU+AFC’s tenure.
The impact of these removals has been widespread, with skilled professionals either forced into early retirement or dismissed without cause, regardless of their qualifications or track records.
But the witch hunt didn’t stop there. Businesses that had received contracts from the APNU+AFC government found themselves facing scrutiny and exclusion under the Ali administration. Some businesses were reportedly forced to do penitence and seek forgiveness through various means, hoping to regain favour with the PPP government. Others faced retaliation when contracts were denied or rescinded, leading some to default on bank loans and, in certain cases, close their doors permanently.
A Divisive Legacy
The Chief Justice’s ruling is a significant blow to the government’s attempts to eliminate perceived political opponents within the public service, reinforcing the notion that such dismissals cannot occur without due process and legal justification. For Saul, the legal victory is a validation of his integrity and dedication to his job.
“I look forward to closing this chapter and focusing on new opportunities to contribute positively to our nation,” Saul concluded in his statement, signaling that, despite the personal and professional challenges he has faced, he remains committed to serving Guyana.
