Harmon issues official statement on controversial appointment of Brian Tiwarie

Below is a press statement by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on the appointing of Brian Tiwarie…

After the General and Regional Elections of 2015, many persons, who indicated their deep interest in assisting the Government and fulfilling its campaign promises were appointed to various positions. Some of those persons were not interested in formal employment or receiving remuneration,but were willing to contribute.

 

After some consultation, during which the Minister of Public Security and the Minister of Natural Resources gave advice, it was agreed that such persons should be appointed as Honorary Ministerial Advisors and that a Certificate entitled “Instrument of Appointment … Ministerial Adviser” would be issued.

 

 

Over the period October 6, 2015 to February 8, 2016, thirty-four persons were identified on the recommendation of the Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), the General Secretary of the Peoples National Congress (PNC) and the General Secretary of A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and the Instruments were accordingly issued. Some of these appointments, particularly in the Diaspora, received wide publicity.

 

Mr. Brian Tiwari, upon the recommendation of the General Secretary of the APNU, was one such person identified and issued with an instrument. I was subsequently advised by the President, who was not aware of all the appointees, that he was not in agreement with this one and that the appointment should be rescinded on March 24, 2016. I agreed with the decision of His Excellency and his rationale for rescinding the appointment.

 

Thursday 14th April 2016
Malika N. Ramsey
Press Secretary to the Minister of State