Public Service Commission to be named before weekend, paving way for Judicial body to be set up

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday confirmed that the members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) will be named before the end of this week and that will pave the way for the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to be set up.

Guyana’s constitution provides for a six-member PSC. This constitutional body oversees the public service. It can appoint persons to public office and exercise disciplinary actions, including the removal of persons from office.

Importantly, the PSC affects the composition of the JSC and the Police Service Commission. On Wednesday, at a press conference at his Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, office, the President said these Commissions will be set up soon.

“Our intention is to have all the members of the Public Service Commission sworn in before the end of the week.

“This will pave the way for the full complement of members for the Judicial Service Commission and for the commencement of the work from the Judicial Service Commission and also the full complement of members for the Police Service Commission,” he said.

There have been numerous calls for the reconstitution of these Commissions, morseo, the JSC.

Several public figures, including judicial officers, have lamented the dire need for more Judges to dispose of criminal proceedings in a timely manner since the number of cases on trial has increased significantly over the years. This impacts the efficient delivery of justice.

During the recent visit of Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Judges to Guyana, the heavy workload of Judges and other judicial officers was acknowledged too.

The JSC, which has not been reconstituted since 2017, is tasked with advising the President on the appointment of Judges with the exception of the Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Chief Justice. It comprises the Chancellor, Chief Justice, Chairman of the Public Service Commission and other members.