Carvil Duncan to challenge Patrick Yarde’s appointment as acting PSC Chairman

Days after the appointment of Trade Unionist, Patrick Yarde as Acting Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), suspended Carvil Duncan has announced intentions to challenge the appointment.

Documents will be filed in the High Court shortly challenging the appointment of Trade Unionist, Patrick Yarde as Acting Chairman of the Public Service Commission.

This is according to suspended Chair, Carvil Duncan’s Lawyer, Anil Nandlall who noted that “this is the subject of a Challenge and orders have been issued, restraining those who are attempting to remove him, from taking further steps in the matter until these proceedings are concluded. Secondly, it is the Public Service Commission that appoints the Chairman among themselves, the information I have is that have not been done.”

Patrick Yarde was sworn in by President David Granger on Thursday last at State House in the presence of Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and members of the PSC.

Yarde is the President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) which is also a conflict of interest. “Is it proper? Is it lawful? for the head of the Union representing a majority of public servants sitting as Chairman of the Public Service Commission. I see that as a conflict of interest.”

In October 2016, the President ordered the suspension of  Carvil Duncan pending the outcome of a Tribunal, which was set up to investigate and recommend whether he ought to be removed from office for inability to discharge his functions.

However, Duncan then moved to the High Court to challenge his removal.

On Monday, the case was redirected to the Chancellor for reassignment by Justice Franklin Holder following an altercation with himself and Attorney General, Basil Williams.