Deputy Chairman of the Public Service Commission Mr John Worrell takes the oath of office before Prime Minister Sam Hinds, who is performing the duties of President. (Picture by Cullen Bess Nelson)
GINA – Mr George Fung-On yesterday took the oath of office as Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC) before Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who is performing presidential functions in the absence of President Bharrat Jagdeo now on a State visit to India. The swearing-in took place in the Credentials Room of the Presidential Complex.
Last week, President Jagdeo swore in the entire Commission. The Commission members are, Mr Harry Narine Nawbatt, Mr Leslie Melville, Mr David Yhan Jnr., Dr. Kissoon, Mr John Worrell and Mr George Fung-On.
In brief remarks during the ceremony, Prime Minister Hinds spoke of his pleasure over the fact that Guyana has come to the end of a long process of installing the Commission. He noted that this is another of Government's initiatives in keeping with the Constitutional Reform Process. Mr. Hinds also expressed the hope that the commissioners would exercise wisdom in the execution of their duties.
The appointment of the Public Service Commission is a significant implementation of one of the decisions coming out of the May 6, 2003 Communiqué signed by President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader Mr Robert Corbin, who is also Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).
It is envisaged that the completion of the swearing-in process will be a catalyst for the appointments of several key public officials. One of the most anticipated appointments will be that of a new Commissioner of Police. It is expected that senior Police officer Mr Winston Felix will be named as Commissioner of Police thereby replacing Mr Floyd McDonald, who is acting in that post.
Chairman of the PSC Mr George Fung-On takes the oath in the presence of Prime Minister Sam Hinds. (Picture by Cullen Bess Nelson)
When asked about the level of impartiality in performing his duties, in light of the fact that he previously held the post of Minister of the Public Service, Mr. Fung-On stated confidently that his wealth of experience would bring nothing but benefits to the Public Service Commission. He said that he would also be bringing to the table the experiences he gained while he was a previous Chairman of the Public Service Commission.
Among officials present at yesterday's swearing-in ceremony was Mr. Jairam Geer, Secretary of the Public Service Commission. He, too, brings a wealth of experience to the Commission having joined the Public Service in 1967. Through the years, he rose to the position of Chief Personnel Officer in the Public Service Ministry.
Also present at the ceremony were Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Secretary to the Cabinet Dr. Roger Luncheon; Deputy Head of the Presidential Secretariat Mr Hydar Ali; and Permanent Secretary in the Public Service Ministry, Dr. Nanda Kishore Gopaul. (Government Information Agency)