The now former Ministry of Education (MoE) Senior Public Relations Officer (PRO) Brushell Blackman is claiming that his dismissal from the post is an attempt to hinder the development and progression of young professionals based on perceived political affiliation but this claim has been rejected by Minister Priya Manickchand.
Blackman, who served at the post under a three-year contract before it was renewed in September 2020 said in a statement yesterday, “It is now my view that I am the victim of a deliberate attempt to stymie the development and progression of young professionals on the basis of their perceived political affiliations.” Blackman said this in relation to his dismissal which happened in February this year. He recounted that upon reporting for duty following the renewal of his contract in September 2020 to work for another year, he was summoned to the office of the Minister of Education who then told him that his services were no longer required. Blackman said that he was further told, in a nonchalant manner, that the ministry is “restructuring.”
Blackman, who is the holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Communica-tions, from the University of Guyana and possesses years of experience as a Public Relations Specialist, among other communications-related posts, said that he is trying to comprehend the dismissal for which he could find no motive. “I am at pains to comprehend my immediate dismissal without reason, as I have done nothing wrong or acted in contravention of the letters of my employment.”
He further stated that in August 2020, Minister of Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, summoned all PROs to attend a meeting at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre where their work was scrutinized and his was “praised” for the quality and professionalism with which he executed his duties with respect to the Education Ministry’s public relations mandate. He added that McCoy expressed confidence in his work moving forward.
Education Minister Manickchand last evening responded to the statement and countered that Blackman’s removal from the post was not based on political affiliation or race. The Minister, in a statement said that Blackman’s contract was terminated because his performance did not coincide with the standards required by the MoE.
“When I renewed Brushell it was with a caveat which applied to everyone else that stayed on the job: that excellent performance was key to keeping the job. I would have been satisfied with even fair performance if there was obvious, discernible interest in improvement. Unfortunately, the aforementioned standards and pace of the ministry/the minister and the senior PR did not coincide.” She added, “The people of Guyana are paying us all to do a job. They deserve service. At least good service, if not excellent service. It is my responsibility to try to ensure `the people’ get that, especially in this COVID time when disseminating information is crucial.”
She said that his dismissal made her “personally” sad and that Blackman was offered a different post at the Ministry but it is clear now that he will not be taking the position. Manickchand further said that she wishes Blackman the best and iterated that the termination was not personal.
