The Guyana Local Government Officers Union (GLGOU) says its remains opposed to the appointment of acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba, while charging that her management of the municipality has resulted in low morale and productivity among workers.
In a statement issued last week, the GLGOU restated its objections in light of remarks reportedly made by Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Norman Whittaker on Friday September 21 on a Prime News telecast, where he said only the Mayor has an issue with Sooba and that everyone else is comfortable with her performance.
GLGOU noted that it saw the statement by the minister as unfortunate. “It is based on the assumption that it is only an issue with one fraction of the municipality, when in fact, everyone is concerned, especially the hard working and dedicated employees of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council,” it added.
The GLGOU reminded the minister that it was the GLGOU which objected to the appointment of acting Town Clerk on the basis of being unqualified, inexperienced and who lacks the capacity to discharge the function of the Office of the Town Clerk effectively and efficiently. This resulted in several days of industrial actions by the union, the statement said.
According to GLGOU, correspondences were also sent to the minister outlining its objections and disappointment with the appointment of Sooba, to which the minister responded.
The GLGOU said it continues to object to the behaviour of the acting Town Clerk, while charging that employees who are members of the GLGOU are being victimised.
The GLGOU emphasised that the appointment Sooba and her management of the affairs of the municipality have resulted in low workers morale, low production and productivity by employees who interact daily with her. The release noted that this conclusion is based on the fact that she is unqualified, untrained and lacks the capacity to discharge the functions of the Office of the Town Clerk.
