The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has condemned the abrupt dismissal of the Regional Executive Officers (REOs) and the appointment of replacements.

In a statement, the GTUC said the circumstances surrounding the dismissals and appointments create the appearance of political patronage and partisan control of the public service.

The Government over the weekend announced the appointment of 10 Regional Executive Officers. Of the 10 REOs, only one of them was retaining his position. All of the others are new appointments.

The Government has not offered any reason for the dismissals and appointments, but has indicated that it is pushing for more efficiency in government.

But GTUC General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis, said the development reinforces growing concern that political loyalty is being elevated above competence, professionalism, and fairness in state appointments.

He said for years, the issue of Regional Executive Officers has impacted not only workers, but citizens at large, and one would have expected that whatever is being done would be done consistent with international standards and time-honoured principles.

Lewis said it is troubling that political parties which once condemned these practices while in opposition, now appear willing to exploit the same system for partisan advantage.

The GTUC said the sudden removal of all REOs raises serious concerns that public officers are now being sacrificed to shield political authorities from scrutiny and accountability.

The union noted that several of the newly appointed REOs are known to have links to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) regime, creating the perception that the appointments are politically driven rather than grounded in merit and experience.

“At a time when qualified Guyanese continue to seek equal opportunity in public service, these appointments deepen public suspicion that political and family connections now carry greater weight than competence and professionalism,” the GTUC said.

The GTUC called for an immediate overhaul of the appointment process for REOs and other senior public officials through transparent advertising, independent scrutiny of applications, and merit-based selection procedures.

Related posts:

GTUC suspects arson in blaze that gutted Critchlow Labour College UN Human Rights Committee raises concern over non-confirmation of Chancellor and Chief Justice GTUC raises concern over some oil and gas workers being prevented from joining unions Government and Opposition face off over appointment of party candidates as REOs