The Ministry of Social Protection today defended the decision made yesterday to send off the Head of the Child Care and Protection Agency, Ann Greene on 36 days leave.
The Ministry’s statement follows:
The Ministry of Social Protection has noted reports in the media which reference an alleged “incident” which purportedly occurred at the Ministry yesterday, Friday, May 29.
The Ministry wishes to provide the following facts to the public in light of the misleading and false information previously placed in the public domain.
1. Minister Volda Lawrence and Minister within the Ministry Simona Broomes undertook a familiarisation tour of the Ministry and the various departments and agencies therein on Monday and Wednesday, May 25 and 27 respectively.
2. Ministers were introduced to the heads of each department and agency and this was followed by each department and agency head introducing ministers to the staff within their respective department or agency.
3. During the tour of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA), the head Ms. Ann Greene refused to acknowledge the presence of Minister Broomes. Ms. Greene introduced only Minister Lawrence to the staff while completely ignoring Minister Broomes.
4. At a subsequent meeting Ms. Greene conducted herself with hostility, boisterously, belligerently and in a disrespectful manner towards Minister Broomes in the presence of Minister Lawrence, the Permanent Secretary and other staff members. Minister Lawrence was forced to caution and reprimand Ms. Greene for her unprofessional and disrespectful conduct.
5. Ms. Greene loudly and aggressively declared her unwillingness to work with Minister Broomes unless Minister Broomes submitted herself to demands and ultimatums made by Ms. Greene.
6. At no time did Minister Broomes engage in any confrontation with Ms. Greene.
The Ministry views Ms. Greene’s conduct and actions as grossly unprofessional, constituting insubordination, contemptuous and untenable.
The unwarranted conduct and attitude of Ms. Greene towards both ministers, but Minister Broomes in particular, and in full view of ministry staff, has been deemed to be unacceptable.
Both Ministers Lawrence and Broomes have assumed their responsibilities in good faith and with a view to working harmoniously will all staff at the Ministry in service to the people of Guyana, particularly women, children and the vulnerable and abused.
As a result of Ms. Greene’s unprofessional behaviour, Minister Lawrence was left with no other option than to send her on annual leave for a period of thirty-six (36) days.
Minister Lawrence expressed that it is her sincere wish that Ms. Greene will reflect on what transpired on Wednesday and that she (Ms. Greene) will make every effort, on her return, to improve the manner in which she relates to her staff and the Ministers with whom she will have to collaborate.
Minister Lawrence looks forward to Ms. Greene’s cooperation and responsible behaviour as the Ministry seeks to provide a service of excellence for the children in its care.
