ATTORNEY-GENERAL, Anil Nandlall, on Thursday, wrote former Director-General in the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP), Joseph Harmon stating that his position is considered to have been terminated.
Despite being a political appointee of the former APNU+AFC administration, Harmon did not resign but had instead applied for 42 days of leave.
Harmon was earning $900,000 per month plus benefits as Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency.
In addition to his salary, Harmon received a non-taxable duty allowance of $250,000 per month; a non-taxable entertainment allowance of $100,000 per month; a non-taxable maid allowance of $128,400 per month; and a non-taxable gardener allowance of $65,000 per month.
Moreover, his housing, telephone, Internet and electricity bills as well as security were paid for by the State. He also received a motorcar and driver provided by the State or duty free concession of up to 4000cc per three years period.
Harmon was also benefitting from a gratuity of 22.5 per cent of his basic salary every six months.
The former David Granger Administration had created the post of director- general specifically for Harmon after he was forced to resign as a Member of Parliament and ultimately as the Minister of State in 2019.
Harmon had resigned after the courts ruled that dual citizens cannot sit as Members of Parliament.
Harmon has since been informed by the government that his services are no longer required.
In a letter, Harmon was informed by Attorney General, Nandlall that “having regard to the nature of the job, which you were engaged to execute, and did in fact execute, it is no longer possible or practical for you to perform those tasks under the new government.”
Harmon was also reminded of the fact that he was relieved of his job as Director- General of the MotP sometime in April 2020, when he was appointed chief executive officer of the Coalition’s Covid-19 Task Force.
“Presumably, you accepted that decision, in as much as, you accepted the new assignment in lieu thereof, thereby rendering your removal as director-general, consensual and the termination of the attendant contract, mutual,” the letter stated.
Meanwhile, the services of Tamara Khan, the wife of former DPI Head Imran Khan, were also terminated. She was hired as a consultant within the Office of the Prime Minister with a salary of $650,000 per month.
