BROOMES BLASTS LABOUR MINISTER AND EXPOSES POWER ABUSE ALLEGATIONS IN HEALTH SECTOR
By Jayda Jeune
FOR POLITICS – A wave of criticism is building against Guyana’s Labour and Health leadership as Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) Leader Simona Broomes issues a blistering call for reform. In a Facebook live post, Broomes not only accused the Labour Ministry of failing the nation’s workers but also raised disturbing allegations about abuse of power within the health sector. Her comments have struck a nerve, igniting public discussion about accountability and leadership across the country’s key institutions.
Simona Broomes, the outspoken leader of the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), is known for speaking her mind, and this week, her sharp words are cutting through two of Guyana’s most critical sectors: labour and health.
During a Facebook live, Broomes painted a picture of neglect, intimidation, and systemic failures, accusing both the Ministry of Labour and key figures in the health sector of disrespecting the working class and wielding authority irresponsibly.
“For the past five years, the Ministry of Labour definitely, the Minister there, Hamilton, has failed and failed miserably. Has failed workers right across the board” she declared, being frustrated.
Broomes argued that Guyana’s workers, from waitresses and security guards to mechanics, doctors and teachers, remain unprotected despite strong labour laws. “A good place to start to respect our conventions, to respect our laws and that we have signed on to it from the government standpoint” she said.
Letter for Mr. Stanley Jacobs transfer/assignment to Port Mourant Hospital
‘DISRESPECTFUL, POWER-DRUNK AND POLITICAL’ LEADERSHIP
Broomes didn’t stop at criticizing labour enforcement. She also shone a light on alleged misconduct in the health sector, recounting troubling reports about leadership dynamics at the New Amsterdam Hospital.
She told the story of a long-serving employee named Stanley, who, after 16 years of service, allegedly became the target of victimization. Broomes claimed the Regional Health Officer (RHO) for Region Six has been “power-drunk” and disrespectful, and that Standley was blindsided after returning from leave to a letter allegedly orchestrating his removal.
It must be mentioned that no reason was given for Stanley’s transfer.
“Day before yesterday, when I mentioned what I heard, I thought it was a rumor,” she explained. “It was said that the RHO at the New Amsterdam Hospital was planning…to victimize”. she said in her opinion.
“She didn’t want him anywhere around New Amsterdam Hospital, and so on his first day, she is gonna pack him and when he can’t manage with it, he is to leave after 16 years”. She continued “I want for the unions and for all to pay attention”.
According to Broomes, Stanley, who held responsibilities as a driver and hospital staff member, is now facing sudden displacement despite his long tenure. “This is not a job to the Ministry of Health, a job for region 6, it is very specific… About the same RHO and the letter that was handed to Standley yesterday… the RHO is disrespectful, power drunk and political.” she said.
CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
Broomes’ speech showed a wider frustration with the culture of leadership within Guyana’s government-run services. She accused certain officials of abusing power, disrespecting employees, and disregarding established workplace protections.
“When you sit in a seat when you are the employer, how do you respect the rights of the worker?” she asked. “Such letter, even if it was to transfer Stanley, would have come from the HR. But the HR of themselves did not know anything about the letter. So this is a woman acting as the RHO and operating as if she is managing a political group”.
Her comments sparked an outpouring of reactions online, with many viewers echoing her concerns of intimidation, victimization, and neglect in their workplaces.
“The time has come for a different action”, as she continued to state, “We are going to engage all of the diplomatic core, the private sector, the government, we are gonna write to the government, in every good will in a matter of national interest”.
CONTACT WAS MADE TO THE RHO AND MINISTRY OF HEALTH, BUT THERE NO RESPONSE/PICK UP FROM ANYONE
