Georgetown, GINA, Friday, January 30, 2004

Minister within the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Bibi Shadick says Occupational Safety and Health should not be seen only as physical wellbeing. She said both mental and emotional health should be given attention to.
Speaking at the launch of the Occupational Health and Safety Committees for the Customs and Trade Administration (CTA) and the Internal Revenue Department (IRD), both of the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Minister said that the role of officers of these two revenue-collection departments are extremely integral to the development of Guyana’s financial sector, and therefore, their safety and comfort must be ensured.
Minister Shadick said too often occupational health and safety is seen in the eyes of many as applying only to the likes of factory workers who require protective gear. She said simply the typist, if not comfortable, or the office worker affected by bad lighting could be affected by breaches to occupational health and safety standards. The Minister called on staff of the Guyana Revenue Authority to be more conscious about their own safety and wellbeing.
Minister Shadick said ultimately, people should be happy doing what they do. She noted that there are simple things that can be done in offices and places of work which can contribute to greater safety and comfort.
On the other hand, the Minister noted, in the event of there being an accident at any place of work, there is the Difficult Circumstances Unit (DSU) of her Ministry to deal with such matters.
Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Kurshid Sattuar said that employers are obligated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure the proper working conditions of their employees and to fully subscribe to the Act.. He noted that there is need for the Guyana Revenue Authority to observe these terms and conditions.
Sattaur voiced his personal commitment to ensuring that the law is adhered to. The Committees for the IRD and the CTA are comprised of 14 and 23 persons respectively.
The Committee at the CTA is chaired by Charles Rodrigues, with the deputy chairperson being Ingrid Griffith. The Secretary is Natalie Gerard. Lloyd McAlmont Chairs the Committee for the IRD, while Susan Watson is the Deputy Chairperson. Assistant Secretary is Carol Baldeo.