CAY HILL--The need for a second authorised signatory has resulted in a delay in the payment of the February salary of staffers of the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA).
In an invited comment about the delay, Education Minister Silveria Jacobs said the issue was expected to be resolved on Tuesday so that salaries could be paid.
The NIPA staffers complained on Tuesday that they were unaware of when they were going to receive their salary. The workers said the resignation of the chairperson of the board of Advanced Vocational Education (ACE) Marcella Hazel about three weeks ago “should have been an indication to the remaining three members (Kenrick Housen, Ivette Franca and Selby Philip) that a second signature was necessary in order for all bills including salaries to be paid for the month of February.”
“They (remaining board members) are only now supposedly making arrangements with the Chamber of Commerce to appoint a new chairperson to then proceed to the bank where they will appoint a new authorised signatory in order for some normalcy to return,” the workers said, adding that they have not been informed as to the duration of this process. “Up until this point as in the last incident in January, (there has not been) any word from the board. This is the second month that staff had to wait and wonder when they will be paid, due to negligence and what can be considered vindictiveness from the board. We the staff of the NIPA state here very clearly that this behaviour is completely unprofessional and unbecoming.”
Jacobs said while the situation is unfortunate, it is being resolved. The minister said due to unforeseen circumstances, the general administrative challenges being faced were not finalised in a timely manner. The minister said the board has informed her, which has been corroborated by the Chamber, that the documentation would have been finalised yesterday to allow for payment.
“I have also had contact with a member of staff and remain hopeful that this can be resolved today (Tuesday). Today is March 1 and soon a new board will sit; the outgoing members have been left in a bind by the resignation of the other members and have to take steps to rectify this issue with being able to pay the staff in a timely manner,” she explained.
“They are expected to meet with the proposed incoming members on March 5 and I still look positively forward to the cooperation between outgoing and incoming members with the goal of having the myriad challenges at the AVE NIPA resolved so that students can benefit from the programs being offered and staff can work in a positive educational institute,” the minister said.
The minister said the Inspectorate Division visited the school on Tuesday and classes are ongoing. "The unrest is felt among the full time staff and teachers which is understandable, but has not adversely affected the students."
