STAFF COMMUNIQUÉ 

With regard to the memorandum, “Staff members authorized to contract obligations, make commitments, and/or make disbursements on behalf of the General Secretariat,” which was to be sent to the Director of the Office of Budgetary and Financial Services, the Staff Committee would like to express its concern about the way in which that provision has been carried out.  While the provision is justified, it was adopted in such a way as to be a source of great concern, worry, and anxiety among our colleagues in the General Secretariat.  

The uncertainty stems from the fact that even today there are conflicting versions of who is supposed to sign the memorandum. Initially, we were told that only those with access to ORACLE were obliged to sign.  Later it was clarified, but not in writing, that “everyone” was to sign the memorandum, with different criteria in different areas.  Consequently, we suggest that the Director of Administration and Finance send an official note to “all whom it may concern” requesting that they sign the memorandum. 

We believe we are reflecting the views of our colleagues in reiterating our readiness to collaborate with General Secretariat officials in whatever is reasonable for the effective and efficient management of the Organization’s resources, and we are prepared to work toward implementing any such measures.  However, we believe that our colleagues are cognizant of their responsibilities and need clarification of what they have been asked to do in order to fully perform their functions.  

It bears mentioning that, as international civil servants, we are aware of our responsibilities, both financial and budgetary, and that our contracts already include an obligation to adhere to the principles set forth in the OAS Charter, the provisions of the General Standards to Govern the Operations of the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States, and other administrative, financial, and budgetary rules. 

The Staff Committee has forwarded these concerns to the appropriate authorities and is awaiting a reply.