Guyana Observer News

A society fractured by politics and distrust

Friday, 27 January 2012

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Press Statement
January 27, 2012
GTUC writes Chancellor Bourne in an effort to secure resolution to termination of Frederick Kissoon’s contract.
The GTUC dispatched a letter to Professor Compton Bourne, Chancellor, University of Guyana, seeking his intervention to bring a resolution to conflict surrounding the termination of the employment contract of Federick Kissoon. This form of intervention arose out of a decision taken by the GTUC’s Central Executive Council on Wednesday January 25.

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) having followed the developments surrounding the termination of the contract of Mr. Frederick Kissoon recognises the right of both parties to honour whatever contractual agreement they have sign on to, but nevertheless wishes to state, that contractual agreements that allow either party to terminate each other does not mean that such termination will or cannot be construed as unjust, malicious, in bad faith and therefore the raison d'être for dispute.

In the case of Mr. Kissoon there appears to be an industrial dispute that is also perceived by himself, members of the university community, and the general public who also are of the belief that said dispute is resultant from violation of basic industrial practices and denial of natural justice which should underpin even contract for service labour agreements. In this instance where many questions surround this termination of one of the nation’s prominent academics, the call on the Chancellor to intervene to bring about a resolution becomes critical.

GTUC is suggesting that the University of Guyana (UG) Council engages both Unions on campus and put in place a committee to investigate into the circumstance that led to this situation and make the appropriate recommendation as to the way forward. The committee referred to, composition and terms of reference must be agreed to by the parties and a stipulated period be given for the conclusion of its work. This suggestion is guided and influenced by precedent where former lecturer, Dr. Desrey Fox’s contract was not renewed/terminated and UG Council sought resolution by appointing a committee to investigate this matter.

Since the UG continues to be the premier tertiary institution funded in large measure by tax dollars there is an inherent obligation to preserve the integrity of the UG Council and resolve this dispute by satisfying, Mr. Kissoon, the citizens of this nation and those interest groups demonstrating concerns. Anticipated also is that UG Council and Administration will not allow this premier learning institution to be a conduit for stifling freedom of expression, freedom of association and real academic freedom that Kissoon has been enjoying for 26 years under various political administrators and university leaders.

Public perception of victimization, spitefulness, and political interference, can only take root in absence of sound decision making, hard evidence to demonstrate poor performance, non-fulfillment of research quotas, and failure to correct same after these were brought to Mr. Kissoon’s attention and were not corrected. GTUC takes note that Mr. Kissoon in the public media has denied the latter and we are of the knowledge that his termination letter refrains from giving motive for same.

In a society fractured by politics and distrust, UG Council must show leadership and commitment to independence.

Lincoln B. Lewis

General Secretary

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