The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A Cabinet minister yesterday said it was “absolutely impossible” to complete all Customs promotions by month’s end as the team assessing the matter had only just begun their work.

Pia Glover-Rolle, minister of state for the public service, told reporters ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting that she wished to “clear up some miscommunications” on when Customs Department promotions will occur because her ministry is still conducting a thorough review of all personnel files.

“We have to review files, we have to look at recommendations and the unit has just been put in place that started their work this month,” she said. “I know there’s been some saying that letters will be issued this month. That is absolutely impossible.

“The work is being done, the assessment of files is being done to ensure that, first of all, we don’t miss out any people that are deserving of their promotions in this exercise, but also so that we can ensure that it’s a thorough process.

“So, I wanted to make note of that. We have some other ministries and departments that we are also looking at simultaneously. Many teachers are getting their confirmation letters,” Mrs Glover-Rolle continued.

“Persons throughout the service are getting their confirmation letters, so it is a simultaneous exercise, but there was a full-on approach of looking at the Customs Department in this first month to three months of the year.”

Sloan Smith, vice-president of the Bahamas Customs, Immigration and Allied Workers Union, told Tribune Business that he agrees with the approach being taken by Mrs Glover-Rolle to sort out promotions not only at the Customs Department but Immigration as well.

Mr Smith said: “With having to go through the review and putting things together, I agree with her that that is reasonable. Because you have to remember the public service has to deal with everyone, whatever that number is, and assessing that can’t be done.... certainly not in the matter of a month.

“Let me tell you what I understand what’s happening in Immigration. Customs is one thing, as she spoke in terms of Customs over the next quarter, and I do know the Immigration side of it is not yet done and there are persons receiving letters. I think even as early as Monday morning.”

Suggesting that the Customs Department has expanded by “over 400 people since 2016-2017”, Mr Smith said he understands the promotions assessment will take some time.