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FM
Former Member

…questions surface over appointments of AFC affiliates, spending

Senior officials of the Department of Public Information (DPI) were yesterday scrabbling to respond to a letter published in the press that highlighted the need for an investigation into the operations of the entity, including spending practices and hiring persons affiliated to political operatives.
Several staff members who spoke with Kaieteur News have since corroborated some of the concerns expressed in the letter sent anonymously to this publication purportedly by DPI members of staff.
Staffers have expressed the need for a full blown probe by President David Granger, noting that there would be political conflict if such a probe is conducted from Prime Minister Moses Nagmoottoo’s office.
It was pointed out that Nagamootoo is a senior executive of the Alliance For Change (AFC).
DPI is a budgetary agency under the Prime Minister’s office and is headed by the Director of Public Information, Imran Khan, who is an Executive member of the AFC.
QUESTIONABLE APPOINTMENTS
Further, it was noted that one of the questionable appointments is that of the Deputy Director and Editor-in-Chief (EiC), Ernestine Leonard, who is the wife of Michael Leonard, the AFC’s Region 4 Chairman.
Kaieteur News was told that Mr. Leonard, who sits on the board of the National Communications Network (NCN) frequents DPI offices and has on occasion had confrontations with some staff.

Director of Public Information, Imran Khan

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

resident David Granger

Efforts to speak with Nagamootoo and Khan by telephone on the matter were unsuccessful.
Khan later issued a statement that DPI is subject to an annual audit by the Auditor General’s Office.
“We have and will continue to fully comply in this regard. DPI budget is subject to scrutiny and approval in the National Assembly. I can reveal that DPI has not sought any supplementary sums to execute its operations and is being managed within budget and with strict adherence to all procurement regulations and guidelines,” Khan stated.
In the letter to the media, the staff said that they were left no other choice but to come public after all of their many complaints were being brushed aside, and because they fear that the collapse of the State entity, unless urgent intervention is made.
Staffers have also approached the Ministry of Labour, but claim that the Ministry has failed to address the issues.
“We believe that the DPI is being badly mismanaged, and this has led to staff either resigning, being suspended, and the DPI being severely understaffed, and failing to attract newcomers, who, we believe, have gotten wind of the manner in which the DPI is being run,” the letter stated.
One of the main issues involves the hiring of Mrs. Leonard.
“Is this a case of friends hiring friends of friends? Why else would our complaints be brushed off, and the individual at the centre of these problems be given a pass, while those who raise these concerns are targeted with suspension and deduction from their salaries?” the staffers questioned.
However, Khan said that it appears as though some staff members “prefer the old, outdated system of no substantive editorial team and a singular, almighty EiC, something that has been done away with.”
“To operate optimally, fluidly and effectively DPI requires a competent and dynamic cadre of Communication Officers, supported by an editorial team. Not a singular almighty EiC,” Khan noted.

SIDE ARRANGEMENTS
There are also questions about wastage as monies on ‘retreats’ to at least two resorts, to discuss issues pertaining to the operations of DPI.
One such ‘retreat’ involved some twenty staffers, with transportation costing some $12,000 for each staffer. These ‘retreats’, staff noted, could easily have been held, without cost, at the DPI.
“We believe that there has also been serious wastage of financial resources on the printing of several publications, which are sent to various regions. This has added to the massive workload of DPI staffers, many of whom work practically every day, without a day off,” staff highlighted.
Khan confirmed that DPI has held training and staff development retreats at various venues. According to Khan, what appears to be the vexing issue raised in the letter relating to a particular staff event is that certain members of staff were desirous of the event being hosted at a popular and exclusive resort.
Khan stated that it came to his attention that certain staff members who were advised of DPI’s budget cap for such events sought to negotiate, without DPI’s knowledge or permission, a ‘side arrangement’.
“The ‘side arrangement’ was that should the resort management provide DPI with severely discounted rates, they (the staff members) would, in an ‘under-the-table-quid-pro-quo’personally ensure the use of DPI equipment, resources and platforms to provide promotion and publicity to the resort,” Khan said.
He stated that when information on this ‘side arrangement’ came to his attention he was uncomfortable with it and caused it to be discontinued.
“The event was held elsewhere, at a less glamorous facility, much to the chagrin and resistance of certain staff members who were intent on their choice of venue,” Khan noted.
The DPI disclosure follows last week’s expose at the Guyana National Newspaper Limited (GNNL), the publisher of the Guyana Chronicle newspaper.
Nagamootoo launched an investigation into expenditure undertaken by General Manager, Sherod Duncan, who is an executive member of the AFC.
The PM also ordered an investigation into the dismissal of Financial Controller Moshamie Ramotar after financial information from the Chronicle was leaked to the media.

 

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Django posted:

Source and date for article.

Why ???  Its in all the main stream media in Guyana. 

the media carry this news and was available to you, but you select  “ Jagdeo article  and publish same “ haha 

The media name was quoted in the article, READ the article in details, don’t be ashamed of the corruption the current government is involved in. 

FM
Last edited by Former Member

Admin should ban you for not showing the source. By not giving the source, you are taking someone else's work and passing them off as your own. This is plagiarism which is a criminal offence called "theft". 

 

Mitwah
Dave posted:
Django posted:

Source and date for article.

Why ???  Its in all the main stream media in Guyana. 

the media carry this news and was available to you, but you select  “ Jagdeo article  and publish same “ haha 

The media name was quoted in the article, READ the article in details, don’t be ashamed of the corruption the current government is involved in. 

It's normal standard to post the source of articles.

Django

Statement of the Director of Public Information in response to letter published in Kaieteur News


Sunday, September 16, 2018

A letter in today’s edition of Kaieteur News headlined ‘A vigorous investigation is also needed into mismanagement, overspending at DPI’ written by ‘Loyal but frustrated DPI Staffers’ has been brought to my attention.

The letter raises three specific issues:

  1. The role of the Editor-in-Chief
  2. The hosting of staff training and morale building events
  3. DPI publications

Editor-in-Chief

The Department of Public Information editorial team substantively comprises the Editor-in-Chief (EiC), an Assignment and Special Projects Editor, a News Editor and a Sub-Editor.

The role of the EiC, is not to micro-manage and assume sub-editing functions and laboriously and painstaking go through each of the dozens of the daily articles and scripts for grammatical and spelling mistakes, correct these and then approve for dissemination. This is impractical, inefficient and unheard of in this modern, real-time communication environment. Such a system would result in DPI literally distributing days-old content.

This ‘system’ however, is what obtained under a previous dispensation. From the evidence in the letter, it appears as though some staff members prefer the old, outdated system of no substantive editorial team and a singular, almighty EiC.

To operate optimally, fluidly and effectively DPI requires a competent and dynamic cadre of Communication Officers, supported by an editorial team (not a singular almighty EiC).

Under my leadership DPI has strived to achieve this and we have made some not insignificant gains. Change is not always a process eagerly embraced and there has been both latent and outright resistance in this regard. I acknowledge that there is considerable work to be done to further improve quality and an enhanced work ethic.

Staff training and retreat

Prior to the merger of DPI and GINA, as incoming Director, I held one-on-one discussions with almost every staff member. Among other things the issues of staff development, training and staff morale were lamented as sore points by the vast majority of staff members.

It is true that DPI has held training and staff development retreats at various venues. We have received feedback from several staff members who related positive experience and are thankful for the opportunities to grow and develop.

What appears to be the vexing issue raised in the letter relating to a particular staff event is that certain members of staff were desirous of the event being hosted at a popular and exclusive resort.

It came to my attention that certain staff members who were advised of DPI’s budget cap for such events sought to negotiate (without DPI’s knowledge or permission) a ‘side arrangement’.

The ‘side arrangement’ was that should the resort management provide DPI with severely discounted rates, they (the staff members) would, in an ‘under-the-table-quid-pro-quo’ personally ensure the use of DPI equipment, resources and platforms to provide promotion and publicity to the resort.

When information on this ‘side arrangement’ came to my attention I was uncomfortable with it and caused it to be discontinued. The event was held elsewhere, at a less glamorous facility, much to the chagrin and resistance of certain staff members who were intent on their choice of venue.

Publications

DPI produces seven newspapers – Hinterland Highlights, Rupununi Roundup, Berbice Bulletin, Linden Ledger, Essequibo Express, West Side Diary and Bartica Buzz.

President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo are on public record as having spoken to and written on the issue of the public’s right to information.

In February, this year, at the launch of Radio Aishalton, His Excellency said, “[y]our government is concerned that as far as the delivery of public information services is concerned, just like public health and public education, you should not be wanting for public information… you have a right to public information.”

DPI is tasked with fulfilling this mandate.

In addition to the newspapers, six radio stations have been established by this government at Aishalton, Mabaruma, Bartica, Lethem, Orealla and Mahdia. These serve as a critical link in ensuring that citizens who were previously locked out from accessing information are no longer denied their right to be informed.

On a monthly basis television programmes are also packaged on DVDs and distributed (along with the newspapers) throughout our hinterland regions. This is done at some cost as it involves transportation over land for long distances to remote villages, by water and in some instances by air. This is the Guyanese reality. DPI is constantly seeking cost-effective means of distributing content across Guyana and are grateful to private individuals, Toshaos, airlines, boat operators and Members of Parliament who have provided distribution support.

We had received consistent complaints, particularly from Berbice, the Essequibo Coast, Linden and Bartica that while the daily newspapers were reaching them that news and developments in those areas were not being featured. There was a gap which DPI is aiming to fill with monthly publications (which augment the dailies and are not in competition with them as we do not seek advertising nor sell the newspaper) so that residents in these areas can have a sense of what is happening in their neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.

It is a fallacy that each of these newspapers is a ‘new production’ which requires completely new content. These newspapers are mainly a collection of DPI material which relate to those specific areas. There is limited bespoke content produced for these newspapers.

Further still DPI engages the services of various freelancers in the regions who provide articles for these publications. Any notion that the need to provide content for these publications is burdensome to the Communication Officers is disingenuous and false.

Finally, the Department of Public Information is a budget agency under the Office of the Prime Minister. DPI is subject to an annual audit by the Auditor General’s Office. We have and will continue to fully comply in this regard. DPI budget is subject to scrutiny and approval in the National Assembly. I can reveal that DPI has not sought any supplementary sums to execute its operations and is being managed within budget and with strict adherence to all procurement regulations and guidelines.

It is not my intention or inclination to engage in speculation as to the motive and intended purpose of the ‘copycat complaint letter’ or to pursue any pointless and petty witch-hunt. I am both confident in and comfortable with leaving those who wish to read the letter to form their own conclusions.

Django
Last edited by Django
Gilbakka posted:

@Former Member

It doesn't cost anything to show your sources and remove opportunities for your detractors to attack & distract. Friendly advice.

Thank you Comrade Gill. 

FM
Mitwah posted:

Admin should ban you for not showing the source. By not giving the source, you are taking someone else's work and passing them off as your own. This is plagiarism which is a criminal offence called "theft". 

 

It’s too early to cuss but I wouldn’t spare you. 

You are the most suspended and ban individual on this site.. go haul you arss and FACK OFF.

 

FM
Dave posted:
Mitwah posted:

Admin should ban you for not showing the source. By not giving the source, you are taking someone else's work and passing them off as your own. This is plagiarism which is a criminal offence called "theft". 

 

It’s too early to cuss but I wouldn’t spare you. 

You are the most suspended and ban individual on this site.. go haul you arss and FACK OFF.

 

Bhai,cool your temper !!

you using prak line.

Django
Dave posted:
Mitwah posted:

Admin should ban you for not showing the source. By not giving the source, you are taking someone else's work and passing them off as your own. This is plagiarism which is a criminal offence called "theft". 

 

It’s too early to cuss but I wouldn’t spare you. 

You are the most suspended and ban individual on this site.. go haul you arss and FACK OFF.

 

Why are you so irritable?  It's a sign of mental illness.

Prove your highlighted statement which is a lie.

You openly practice theft and now you are lying. 

Mitwah
Dave posted:
Mitwah posted:
Dave posted:
Mitwah posted:

Admin should ban you for not showing the source. By not giving the source, you are taking someone else's work and passing them off as your own. This is plagiarism which is a criminal offence called "theft". 

 

It’s too early to cuss but I wouldn’t spare you. 

You are the most suspended and ban individual on this site.. go haul you arss and FACK OFF.

 

Why are you so irritable?  It's a sign of mental illness.

Prove your highlighted statement which is a lie.

You openly practice theft and now you are lying. 

you now miss someone from your home .. haha 

Come on, I have every details to unload on you... remember my words “ choose your fight “  

 

Hahahahaha! Bring it on! 

Mitwah
Mitwah posted:
Demerara_Guy posted:

There should be an Independent review process unrelated to the offices of the president and prime minister.

Dave and I are working this one out. 

How dare you left out our resident Amerind D2! He needs to represent his people...not sure who they are. They are not coolie.

FM

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