A member of the St. Vincent Public Service Union (PSU), Celena McDonald, has filed a case against the Public Service Commission, challenging two House of Assembly nominations in 2023: Deborah Charles, clerk, and Simone Williams-Huggins, deputy clerk.
In July of 2023, the PSU said they had not seen any evidence that the position was advertised as prescribed by Regulations 18 (1) and (2). Further, the PSU is of the view that the selection process is in violation of the requirements of Regulation 19 of the said Regulations.
On Thursday, PSU president Elroy Boucher said McDonald, was academically prepared with over 10 years of House experience and a Master’s degree.
“The claimant is calling on the High Court to rule that the Public Service Commission, with the appointments of Charles and Williams-Huggins to the positions of Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the House of Assembly, respectively, acted unfairly and unlawfully, violated the principles of selection for appointment and promotion, and also violated Regulation 18 of the Public Service Commission Regulation by failing or refusing to advertise the posts.”
McDonald also wants Williams-Huggins and Charles‘ appointments overturned.
Boucher said McDonald was relocated to a new ministry when the appointments were scheduled, but her department is still designated as the House of Assembly. In May, the case returns to court.
