29 Immigration Officers Get Promoted; Minister Promises No Issues Despite Rumblings

Since the beginning of the week, there has been disquiet among members of staff at the Immigration and Nationality Department over the promotion of employees whom they consider to be unfit for the new posts.  That uneasiness has been bubbling below the surface for several weeks, but was tempered following a meeting with the Public Service Union back in early February.  Those apprehensions are back after it was made known that twenty-nine officers will be promoted in the days ahead.  That information has purportedly been met with threats of industrial action.  Earlier today, we sat down with Minister Williams who told us on record that she is not aware of any dissatisfaction within the ranks of the department.

Beverly Williams

Beverly Williams, Minister of State, Immigration

“Unfortunately, I haven’t heard about being disgruntled.  I was at the airport on Sunday and the staff, at least at the airport, was very receptive.  Everybody was in place and I see the supervisors on the ground.  There are some adjustments in that area, but staff is always concerned about staffing issues.  The matter of promotions were addressed with the Ministry of the Public Service and there is an approval.  We haven’t received the letter but we understand, in principle, for twenty-nine officers to be promoted.  That should happen shortly, but if you understand the process, it’s that you have to look at those that are in the system, to promote those and then you push up from the bottom once, of course, they meet the criteria because there is a criteria in the public service for promotions.”

Isani Cayetano

“I’m being made to understand that the bone of contention from these individuals is the fact that some of those who are being promoted may not necessarily be qualified or they may not necessarily have the years of service that would merit a promotion.  Can you speak to that?”

Beverly Williams

“The public service regulation is very clear on the criteria for promotion.  I can recall that one of them is qualification, seniority, it goes with performance.  So your appraisal all has to be in order.  I can assure you from my desk and I want to say that for the director also and my C.E.O., that there is no discrimination being practiced in terms of the promotions.”