THE INTRODUCTION of the service commissions in the 1962 Constitution was because of the defiance of Dr Rudranath Capildeo at Marlborough House in London during the negotiations for the independence of the Trinidad and Tobago. The mandate of the commissions in the 1976 Constitution remained the same as that of the 1962 Constitution. This mandate was simple - to serve as a shield for the public servant from the nepotism and victimisation which could occur in its absence.

From the inception, the commissions were destined to fail as they depended on the State to provide the financial strength to competently perform their functions. This lack of support for the commissions was seen from the fact that the members are all part-time. This arrangement may have been suitable for 1960 but not for 2021.

In 1960 the workforce of Trinidad was a mere fraction of the size that it is today so it might have been possible for a part-time commission to manage the work that was required of it. In 2021 that job has become impossible. The Constitution gives the commissions the sole right to appoint, transfer, discipline, promote and dismiss members of the various services.

The 1976 Republican Constitution separated the Public Service Commission into the Fire Service Commission, Prison Service Commission, Police Service Commission and the Teaching Service Commission. Although it may appear that they are separate, they are still linked through the director of personnel administration who oversees the work of all the service commissions.

In 1976, the Teaching Service Commission would have had to deal with fewer teachers than it must deal with today. The number of positions in the Teaching Service has increased and the number of promotional positions has also increased. Additionally, as of August 2005, the Teaching Service Commission would have an additional 39 positions with as many as approximately over 500 officers occupying these positions. It is impossible for the commission to effectively perform its many roles efficiently on a part-time basis.

Moreover, from 2014 to present the service commissions have continuously had their subventions from the Government reduced. In 2014, they were given a grand total of $104 million to service all five commissions. In 2022, the budgeted figure for the commissions is approximately $72 million. A reduction over time of approximately 31 per cent. It is important to note that one legal matter that goes to the Privy Council could run into over $750,000. Additionally, there is a cost to (1) interview potential employees, (2) interview employees for promotion, and (3) conduct disciplinary tribunals.

The Teaching Service Commission has seen an increased number of interviews to be conducted because close to 1,000 new promotional positions have been created. These are:

* Deans of secondary schools

* Heads of department of secondary schools

* An additional vice principal for all the former senior comprehensive schools

* The position of senior teachers in the many small primary schools