Trotman says age limit for state boards, commissions not discriminatory

years old.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Thursday told a post-Cabinet press briefing that as part of government’s plan to establish an age limit for persons who sit on state boards, agencies and commissions, Green would not be asked to return when the new CH&PA board was sworn in; this is to be done shortly. “We as a country have to strike a balance where efficiency is concerned, where a person’s age is concerned. We do not believe age is a deterrent in and of itself but the fact that we have so many younger persons who are there, competent as well to carry out these duties, we believe that they ought to be given a chance. It is no disrespect and disregard to the work of these individuals [who held the posts] but we have to provide upward mobility within the system,” Harmon said.

Trotman, unaware of Harmon’s announcement, was asked about Green and whether it was fair to have him remain while others were sent home. In response, he said that he was not aware of the life of the board and, therefore, could not comment further as to whether Green should be removed. “That is a matter for the minister with responsibility, which would be the Minister of Communities but I believe that his Excellency has clarified the context in which persons had been asked to consider demitting and that in my view is sufficient for me. Sometimes things are done in a manner that leaves room for criticism and could have been dealt with differently,” he said.

“Knowing the President and knowing the history of these matters I am happy that the President has cleared it up,” he later added.

Meanwhile, Ramjattan, who was also at the press conference, said that people are “twisting the thing around” and giving it a “racial flavour.”

He said that was not the intent at all. He pointed out that there were age limits for many professions, such as judges, chancellors and members of the Guyana Police Force. He questioned whether this will now be seen as discriminatory or whether it was now expected that these age limits will change in the light of the criticisms and twists.

Ramjattan later accused PPP leaders, including parliamentarian Anil Nandlall, of twisting the matter. He said that what was being done was “dangerous in this multi-ethnic society.” Ramjattan pointed out, “We have to be cautious about these very sensitive issues.”