The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has strongly rejected claims made in an anonymous letter published in the March 25, 2026 edition of the Kaieteur News, describing the allegations as baseless and misleading.In a formal response, the elections body said the letter, captioned “Arbitrary Policy Changes, Selective Enforcement, and Labour Rights Concern at GECOM”, was “not only startling” but amounted to “a direct attack on the Chief Election Officer (CEO) who heads the GECOM Secretariat.”GECOM stressed that no employee has formally raised such concerns with management and asserted that the claims were fabricated. The Commission stated that it “categorically dismiss[es] the falsehoods in the letter which can only be deemed as an effort to sow discord among employees in a well-run constitutional agency, create mischief, cause confusion, and undermine public trust and confidence in GECOM.”Addressing the issue of sick leave, one of the central complaints raised, the Commission said the adjustment from 28 days to 14 days for certain categories of staff was not arbitrary but aimed at ensuring compliance with existing rules.According to GECOM, the change aligns with the Public Service Rules, noting that “a non-pensionable employee may be granted… sick leave not exceeding 14 days in any one year,” while pensionable employees may access up to 28 days.The Commission explained that previously, all employees benefitted from 28 days by default, and the revision was made “simply to ensure compliance in line with Public Service Rule No. H42.” It maintained that “there is absolutely nothing arbitrary or selective in this action.”GECOM also dismissed claims of selective enforcement, describing them as “reckless and evidently mischievous,” while asserting that records would show staff continue to benefit from leave entitlements in accordance with established rules.Further, the agency underscored its engagement with staff, noting that management maintains an open-door policy and regularly meets with employees to address concerns. It pointed to a recent general staff meeting involving the CEO and Chairman, where issues, including sick leave, were discussed openly.“At that meeting the issue of sick leave concession was discussed with no question being left unaddressed,” the Commission stated, adding that employees were encouraged to raise concerns through the Human Resources Manager, with assurances of transparent handling.GECOM also noted that the CEO has been visiting Registration Offices to engage field staff, stating that “none of those engagements resulted in the airing of any of the issues mentioned” in the anonymous letter.While issuing its clarification, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to effective management and staff welfare, assuring that its operations remain grounded in transparency and adherence to established rules.
POLITICS
