‘Public Servants Must Be Held Accountable,’ PM Browne Says

‘Public Servants Must Be Held Accountable,’ PM Browne Says
Lead: Browne called for greater accountability across the civil service, criticising delays in processing teachers’ payments and warning that lethargy from officials cannot continue.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a strong call for improved accountability within the public service, pointing to bureaucratic delays that he says have hindered the timely payment of teachers’ allowances and upgrades.

Speaking during his weekly radio programme on Pointe FM, Browne expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of urgency from senior education officials in processing necessary documentation. “I have to hold people accountable for the jobs they’re supposed to do,” he said. “If you are wrong, I have to say you’re wrong.”

While reiterating his administration’s commitment to meeting the financial needs of educators, Browne argued that civil servants cannot expect to “get a free pass” when their actions—or inaction—affect service delivery. “A lot of times we expect persons to not do their jobs but still get their salary and ask for a raise in the process,” he said.

He acknowledged personally intervening to ensure payment processing, including contacting the accountant general and education ministry officials while overseas. “Even while I was in Washington, I followed up,” he stated.

Browne also advised Education Minister Daryll Matthew to consider staff changes if necessary, saying, “If you have to move people, move them.”

His comments come in the wake of industrial action by teachers demanding overdue allowances and upgrades. Although the government has since processed payments, the Prime Minister warned that continued internal inefficiencies could erode public trust and disrupt essential services.

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