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Georgetown, Guyana (Credible Sources) Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Tabitha Sarabo-Halley called for urgent reforms in the public service, emphasizing professionalism and meritocracy during her presentation in the 2025 Budget Debate at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on January 27, 2025.
She argued that inefficiency within the public service stems from the appointment of unqualified individuals to leadership roles, creating widespread mismanagement. “The effectiveness of our public service hinges on a simple yet profound principle—the importance of professionalism in every role within it,” she stated.
Sarabo-Halley stressed that political connections should not determine public service appointments, asserting, “The public service should be a space where competence is valued above all else.” She called for reforms to improve efficiency and ensure timely project completions, saying, “What we need from the Ministry of Public Service… are reforms that elevate our public service, resulting in timely project completions and impactful programs that deliver real benefits to our communities.”
The MP also addressed several other national issues, including economic planning, education, and workers’ rights. She criticized the government for what she described as a lack of strategic planning, stating, “How can you run an entire country without a blueprint for growth and prosperity?” She also highlighted concerns about declining matriculation rates, saying, “Over the past four years, our matriculation rate has plummeted from 49 percent to a mere 26 percent.”
Additionally, she raised concerns about fair compensation for oil rig workers, arguing that Guyanese should not face salary caps while their foreign counterparts earn more for the same work. She urged the government to enact policies that ensure fair wages, stating, “It is crucial for us to demand transparency, fairness, and accountability from both our government and the oil companies.”
