Law allows MP Gajadien to let go of double salary President’s permission not needed

MP Asiskumar Gajadien (VHP) reportedly has not given all information about his request that was made to the Office of the President regarding his wish to be temporarily relieved of his duties as deputy director at the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communication (OWT&C). In a letter which was delivered by his attorney, Gajadien asked the president to relieve him of his duties on the grounds of Article 57 of the Employee Act with the understanding that he could resume his duties as deputy director after having served his term in office. The president reportedly could not grant his request on the grounds of Article 57 because Article 57 only applies to ministers and not to legislators. Gajadien reportedly could have opted for Article 56 which allows him to discuss and address the matter with the minister of Public Works. MP Gajadien would then stop receiving his deputy director’s salary at his own request.

Gajadien recently claimed that he had repeatedly asked the president via his attorney to stop the payment of his salary of SRD 4,000 per month but that he has not received any positive response. The legislator suspects that the issue will be used for a political smear campaign against him.

Times of Suriname received several documents that shed some light on the matter. Gajadien reportedly received a letter from the Office of the President on January 3, explaining that his request cannot be granted on the grounds of Article 57. In the same letter Gajadien is being advised to opt for Article 56 in order to temporarily give up his position as deputy director. Gajadien reportedly has not responded yet to the letter.

Eugene van der San, directeor of Administrative Affairs at the Office of the President, wonders of Gajadien actually wants to get rid of his state employee’s salary or if this is just an attempt at creating the impression that he has done everything he can to shed his double salary. Van der San is therefore puzzled by Gajadien’s true expectations.