[www.inewsguyana.com] – Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon has noted that Town Clerk, Carol Sooba was not appointed to the post based merely on the issue of qualifications, but on her experience as well.
Following the official appointment of Sooba, who initially acted in the position, there have been several criticisms from various sections of society, including the Mayor, Hamilton Green and the Opposition Leader, David Granger about Sooba’s alleged lack of qualifications for the position.
When questioned on the issue at his post cabinet media briefing, Dr. Luncheon said, “The issue of qualifications is just one subset of the criteria that the panel had to address in making their recommendations.”
He further explained that experience was also a criteria, which Sooba met. “I think that’s the big thing, between qualifications and experience, I don’t believe you would want to discount the importance of either of them. You need to be qualified,” Dr. Luncheon told reporters.
He noted that being qualified for a position is rarely ever the only criteria for a position in the public service.
At his recent press conference, Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud refused to answer questions on Sooba’s qualifications and what criteria was used to appoint her to the post.
Persaud told the media then, “This is my press conference and I’m fully aware that people need answers but the answer that I might give may not be the answer that you want to hear… having evaluated all the candidates we are satisfied that Sooba is the best suited, overall rounded candidate.”
Her appointment has been met with momentous rejection by several council members and leading politicians.
In fact, it was Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Greene who said that Sooba was the least qualified academically for the position which requires a Degree in Public Management or an equivalent Social Sciences Degree. Sooba is said to possess only CXC qualifications and has been a student of the University of Guyana, Faculty of Law for over six years now.
