Discipline awaits lacking civil servants

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PRIME Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas recently warned civil servants that they must not grow complacent in their jobs, noting that strict disciplinary measures would be meted out to non-compliant workers.

At a town hall meeting this week, Douglas reaffirmed his government’s promise not to fire civil servants simply because treasury income has significantly decreased as its demands have been on the rise. He indicated that a key response to this problem is ensuring fiscal prudence in government departments.

“I want to give this country the assurance that government will not lay off any workers because of the global crisis we are facing. We will have to continue to tighten our belts, because we cannot bring about any hardship on the people of the country” he said.

Douglas referenced a caller on his “Ask the PM” radio programme who had informed him that a number of civil servants have not been going to work as required, and have been acting irresponsibly since the government’s announcement of no layoffs.

“They believe because they are working for government they can do as they feel like. Although government gives a commitment not to lay off workers, we shall take strict disciplinary action against any worker who is skylarking on the job, because what you [civil servants] playing with other people well want!

“And I want to send a very strong warning and signal to public workers: Turn up to your jobs on time, do not leave your job unless you have been given permission from your supervisor. Do not use any flimsy excuses for staying at home and not going to work, and think you will continue to get your pay. It’s not going to work,” Douglas asserted.

He added that civil servants would be “looked at very closely” as the government continues to “demand of you fair work for your fair wage or salary”.