A coalition of concerned stakeholders has issued an urgent follow-up letter to the Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), dated March 29, 2025, demanding action on their petition regarding the appointment of the Director of Forestry. The group, which first raised the issue on March 8, 2025, expressed frustration over the PSC’s lack of response, warning of a potential sit-down strike that could halt the Department of Forestry’s operations if their demands are not addressed by April 9, 2025.
In their strongly worded letter, the petitioners reiterated their call for a merit-based, transparent appointment process, emphasizing the need for expertise and good governance in selecting the Director of Forestry. They outlined five key recommendations: reconsidering the current appointee in favor of a qualified candidate from the existing talent pool, avoiding individuals without forest management expertise, maintaining decentralized operations with participatory approaches, implementing transparent recruitment processes, and prioritizing professionalism and environmental sustainability.
The stakes are high, according to the group, as the leadership of the Department of Forestry directly impacts environmental conservation and institutional effectiveness. “Your timely attention to this matter would not only demonstrate responsiveness but also reinforce confidence in the department’s commitment to best practices and sustainable leadership,” the letter stated.
The petitioners also hinted at behind-the-scenes developments, citing “reliable evidence” of official communications between the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, the Personnel Management Office, and the Office of the Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service. These exchanges reportedly pertain to legal procedures for the appointment, with the Personnel Management Office positioned as the authoritative body on civil service matters.
The ultimatum is clear: if no response is received by April 9, 2025, the Department of Forestry faces a complete shutdown starting April 10, as stakeholders pledge to launch a sit-down strike until their demands are met. With the clock ticking, the PSC’s actions are being scrutinized to see whether it will act to avert the looming crisis or risk a standoff that could paralyze forestry management across the country.
