As part of on-going work to tackle the serious budget deficit, work continues in government to enhance revenue and to identify irregularities in expenditure.
A thorough review of the public service payroll has revealed that there are a number of waged positions in which persons are currently employed and for which there are no budgeted allocations. The justification for the creation of these positions was not always clear and in some cases appointments appear to have been made arbitrarily, without following due process. In others instances, posts initially created on a short term basis have been extended without good reason, often by years. After careful consideration it was decided that positions falling outside the budget allocation should be removed and the services of persons holding such positions ended with effect from 31 May 2011.Exceptions would be made only where the relevant Permanent Secretary is able to present a strong business case to retain any of these positions,
Under the General Rules of the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service (1997), this category of employee should be given notice of just two weeks before termination of services. However, recognizing the need for these persons to make financial or other adjustments and to prepare for this transition, the government elected to give a total notice period of six (6) weeks. Any terminal benefits due to those concerned will be paid in accordance with their terms and conditions of service.
These are challenging times and it is unfortunate that this action is necessary. However, it is clear that had official procedures been followed under the previous government, these difficult but essential corrections would not be necessary now. Sadly, this is yet another issue arising from the legacy of maladministration inherited from the previous government and which we are now obliged to address.
