DLP Raises Concerns over Recruitment Process for CTO Position at Ministry of Transport and Works

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has raised serious concerns about the recruitment process for the vacant position of Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at the Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW).

The party’s Second Vice-President, Walter Maloney, has criticised the approach taken by the government, questioning both the logic and fairness of the process.

His concerns stem from a memorandum dated July 22, 2024, from the Director General of Human Resources in the Ministry of the Public Service to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. The memorandum requested the advertisement of the CTO position overseas due to “efforts to attract suitable candidates locally” being unsuccessful. However, an internal memo dated July 23, 2024, asked departments to inform qualified individuals to apply for the same position.

“Now this begs some questions because you advertise overseas first and then it looks as if you are advertising locally second,” Maloney said. “The ad that’s been sent overseas suggests that a process took place in Barbados and came up short; however, the internal ad suggests that persons are free to apply.”

He further questioned the criteria used to determine that no suitable candidate was found locally and why the government would advertise internally after already seeking external applicants. “What processes are being employed? Why do you advertise externally first and then locally afterwards?” he queried.

Maloney also expressed deep concern about the implications this process has for local talent and the education system in Barbados. Historically, the CTO position at the MTW has been filled by competent and professional Barbadians. Maloney pointed out a troubling trend where top government positions are increasingly being filled by individuals from abroad, despite the country’s substantial investment in education.

“I find it difficult that in a country where we spend so much money on education… that you are saying to us there are no persons in this country who are suitable candidates for this position,” Maloney stated. “Are we saying that our educational system has failed us? That we cannot produce one person who can fill the post of Chief Technical Officer in this country?”

Maloney stressed the DLP’s concern over this issue, highlighting the mixed messages being sent to the public and the apparent disregard for local professionals. “The citizens of this country deserve more and better,” he concluded. (RG)