By Sue-Ann Wayow

MINISTER of Public Utilities Barry Padarath is attempting to address long-standing issues raised by the Estate Police Association (EPA).

On Tuesday, Padarath met with EPA’s President Deryck Richardson to discuss several unresolved matters, chief among them was the issue of non-payment of salaries and deductions.

That issue has contributed to growing frustration among staff, the Ministry of Public Utilities stated in a media release on Thursday.

Other matters discussed included:  wage negotiations, payment of statutory deductions to financial institutions, gratuity payments for retirees, standards for the importation of bulletproof vests and amendments to legislation.

The release stated the EPA emphasised that while they had been actively advocating through various channels, those issues were left unaddressed by the previous administration and was appreciative of the engagement with the new administration.

The ministry stated, “Both the EPA and the attending ministers committed to maintaining frank, open and solutions driven dialogue as they work together to develop sustainable approaches to these long-neglected matters.”

Padarath also invited the EPA to be part of ongoing stakeholder discussions with the Ministry of Public Utilities and other relevant agencies.

He commended the EPA for its proactive and respectful engagement and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to open lines of communication and collaborative problem-solving going forward.

Also present at that meeting were Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities Clyde Elder, Parliamentary Secretary Shivanna Sam, representatives from MTS and other representatives from the EPA.