Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant has condemned what he described as abusive and threatening behaviour toward Treasury employees, calling on members of the public to treat government workers with respect as they process outstanding back-pay claims.
Speaking during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Merchant said Treasury staff have been working tirelessly, including on weekends, to meet the government’s financial obligations to public servants despite ongoing complaints about delayed payments and customer service.
Merchant said one recent incident crossed the line after an individual, who was dissatisfied with the response received regarding a back-pay matter, allegedly urinated on a desk inside the Treasury and threatened to return with a weapon.
He described the behaviour as unacceptable and appealed for patience as ministries and the Treasury continue processing outstanding claims.
“It is not a case whereby government does not have the money to pay. The money is available. However, various processes must be followed,” Merchant said.
Merchant explained that while some individuals may have been inadvertently omitted from back-pay lists, the appropriate course of action is to work through the established administrative process. He said inquiries should first be directed to the relevant ministry before reaching the Treasury, which processes information submitted by government departments.
He also acknowledged concerns about customer service within the public sector but stressed that no grievance justifies abusive conduct toward public employees.
Merchant urged the public to exercise patience and “good decorum,” adding that government workers should be treated in a humane manner while efforts continue to resolve outstanding payment issues.
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