THE Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) said Sunday that it remains gravely concerned about the House Speaker’s failure to withdraw the letter to former Clerk to the Houses of Parliament Valrie Curtis.

Said the PNP in a release: “Last week Tuesday, in the House of Representatives, the Opposition called for the withdrawal of this letter, as it violates well-established public sector employment practices and amounts to nothing short of reprehensible maladministration and an abuse of power.

“The Opposition notes that the repercussions of the Speaker’s conduct extend beyond the clerk. It has given rise to significant consternation within the public service as not only was it issued without proper legal authority, but it also seriously violates basic principles of good employment relations.

“Such actions, particularly from an elected official holding the high office of Speaker of the Houses, seriously erode public trust and confidence in our democratic institutions. It is imperative that we hold our leaders to high standards of good governance and accountability,” Opposition Leader Mark Golding was quoted in the release.

“The Speaker’s refusal to retract the letter has only deepened the breach of trust that had already been seriously eroded by the irregular process concerning the two auditor general reports which preceded her issuing that infamous letter,” said Golding.

The Opposition also urged the House Speaker to issue a public apology to Curtis, as an important step towards healing the wrong done to a senior and highly regarded public servant on the eve of her retirement. “Our democracy depends on the integrity and accountability of those in positions of authority,” Golding said.

“We cannot allow such flagrant disregard for established norms to go unaddressed,” he continued.