Immigration sick-out fiasco at Piarco: 8 broke rules

Eight Immigration officers who failed to inform their supervisor at Piarco International Airport that they were not reporting for the 2 pm -10 pm shift, are to face serious disciplinary action.

Last Sunday only two out 15 officers rostered for this shift, turned up for work, resulting in chaos as landed passengers had to wait for upwards of five hours to be processed. Long lines starting from the Immigration counter stretched all the way to the tarmac. Five of the 15 officers called to say they could not work and supervisors were supposed to call out five others to ensure the maximum strength of 15.

Those supervisors are also expected to receive letters from the Human Resource Department asking them to explain why five off-duty officers were not called out. Yesterday, Chief Immigration Officer Charmaine Gandhi Andrews said the Human Resource Department will also write the 13 officers who failed to show up, asking for explanations for their absence.

“Operations are back to normal, things are running smoothly, officers have been reporting for work,” Andrews said. She said there were three shifts for Immigration officers at the airport: 6 am - 2 pm, 2 pm - 10pm and 10 pm - 6 am.

Followed by two days off. She said when the 13 failed to show, other staffers were called out and by 7 pm on Sunday, the situation was rectified.

“It is disturbing when people do not report for work and do not call to say they are not coming. There is a standing protocol that says if officers are not reporting for duty they are required to call their supervisor and advise that they are not reporting. When this is done, supervisors will be able to call out other officers to fill the gap and avoid chaos,” Andrews said.

“Officers have an obligation to call the station and as far as I know, eight of the 13 officers did not follow protocol which is a breach of the Civil Service Act.” Andrews said when she learnt of the mass absenteeism on the 2 pm - 10 pm shift, she went to the airport and began landing passengers herself. She did not leave until 11 pm.

After the chaos, Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon issued a press release on Monday apologising to those who were affected. He confirmed receiving a report and said, “Following investigations, anyone found in breach of the Immigration Act will be dealt with accordingly.” On Tuesday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley condemned the Immigration Officers saying that Government had to borrow to pay public servants and here it was, these officials were comfortable absenting themselves and caused pain and suffering to the public.