The Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries (MALF) responded to the Public Services Association’s (PSA) concerns on Friday, via email, regarding the membership’s complaints reported by the PSA. 

Within the past few weeks, PSA’s membership employed at MALF has been in a quandary following an outbreak of positive Covid-19 cases at the Ministry’s Head Office. The PSA, represented by Industrial Relations Officer (IRO), Aaron Singh, subsequently implored that the Permanent Secretary and Divisional Managers treat quickly and appropriately with the outbreak at hand.    

Acting Permanent Secretary (PS), Susan Shurland, stated that from the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic, MALF has been committed to ensuring the health and safety of its employees. The email stated that whilst the Ministry has been in compliance with all Covid-19 protocols, employees continued to pose threats as they were not sufficiently washing and sanitizing their hands, wearing their masks properly and social distancing. She stated that mitigating the spread of Covid-19 has to be a collaborative effort between employees and management. The PSA encourages all workers to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols. However, employers must ensure that there are sufficient hand wash stations, hand sanitizer and PPE available for workers. 

IRO Singh, earlier today reported to PSA media that the Human Resource Department of MALF, which housed the latest Covid-19 outbreak, has been shut down until further notice and he thanked the PS for her intervention.