Ministry not renewing Labour Officer’s contract

THE LABOUR MINISTRY WILL NOT RENEW THE CONTRACT OF REGIONAL
LABOUR OFFICER Ms. ELEZE BENJAMIN-HALL when it ends next month according to
sources in the bauxite-mining town of Linden.
The Labour Ministry notified Benjamin-Hall, a first-time Regional Democratic Council (RDC)
member in Upper Demerara/Berbice (Region Ten) of its decision to end their relationship.
A Labour Ministry’s source debunked criticisms of unjust punishment of the labour official, but
instead, cited her engagement in political activities for the now main opposition parliamentary
party during working hours, in its decision not to renew her contract.
“There are several persons who sought to create the impression that she was being victimised
and discriminated against, thus the reason why her contract is not being renewed. However, this
is far from the truth as there is overwhelming evidence of Eleze not being at work during the
recount (of the bitterly-disputed 2020 National and Regional elections) on many days, and
instead of getting the Ministry of Labour work done, she was politicking,” the source disclosed.
The source continued: “She wasn’t getting the government's work executed, but rather doing her
own thing. So, she cannot even attempt at pointing any fingers as she failed to execute her tasks
professionally,” the source said.
Another source said that the non-renewal of Benjamin Hall’s contract was always on the cards,
once the administration changed, because she converted a huge chunk of her working hours to
campaigning for the A Party for National Unity, Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) during the
2020 elections season while it was in government.
As a consequence, she failed to address a number of labour complaints lodged against several
persons and companies in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice).

“There were numerous complaints, even before the former administration had changed, against
her. But, like several other issues, nothing was done as she was extremely close to the former
Regional Chairman, Mr. Renis Morian. There are several instances where he used his position as
Regional Chairman to defend and justify the actions and behavior of Benjamin-Hall. He
protected her from disciplinary actions,” the source said.
“As I understand it, she is an employee who is on contract and I am advised by the PS
(Permanent Secretary) that her contract ends I think at the end of July,” Labour Minister, Joseph
Hamilton said when contacted by this media house said.
When the change of government, new Minister of Labour, Mr. Joseph Hamilton, received several
complaints against Benjamin-Hall, especially about her conduct and performance.
“I am sure there are plausible reasons for the non-renewal,” Minister Hamilton added.
Benjamin-Hall confirmed that her contract has not been renewed.