Inside New York’s Administrative Puzzle – The Truth Itself.

Documents have surfaced revealing another aspect of potential irregularities, maladministration and further conflicts in the National Youth Council.

These documents reveal that the dispute between suspended New York City director Calista Schwartz-Gowases and the board’s executive chairwoman, Sharonice Busch, is partly based on questionable appointments as well as the ambiguity of the two directors’ responsibilities.

War

A series of internal emails viewed by new era show that the two bosses had a falling out over the appointment of Busch’s special assistant and adviser Lebbeus Hashikutuva, who Schwartz-Gowases said was appointed through the back door.

In a letter dated January 19, 2024, Schwartz-Gowases questioned Busch about the board’s “non-procedural appointments” and resolutions regarding Hashikutuva, claiming they were contrary to the board’s human resources policies and procedures.

The letter further states that in 2021, Busch requested that employees reporting to her office (executive chairwoman and secretary) be transferred to other departments, which automatically created vacancies in her office.

This, new era understands, has enabled Busch to recruit employees as it sees fit.

In one email, Busch told the Schwartz-Gowases that the company’s secretarial services would be outsourced pending board approval of the organizational review and its recommendations.

Busch also informed the Schwartz-Gowases that she had identified Hashikutuva as an administrative intern for a six-month period, from October 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023.

In confirmation of the board resolution signed by Hashikutuva and Busch dated August 1, 2023, Hashikutuva was assigned a number of responsibilities, including serving as board secretary, program support, social media management and public relations.

Justifying this, Busch said new era last week it was due to staffing issues at the institution and the absence of an executive assistant.

It is further alleged that Hashikutuva went beyond his duties as an administrative officer and gradually assumed additional responsibilities.

Subsequently, his salary was revised upwards.

Disappointed

However, this contradicts the content of Schwartz-Gowases’ email, in which she complained that the board already had a secretary and an executive assistant who were transferred to other departments.

She believed that the appointment of a qualified executive assistant had conveniently been withheld to make way for the appointment of Hashikutuva.

Busch vehemently denies this.

“Further, please note that the current recruit-hunting process, which involves friends sneaking into council halls, and attempting to create opportunities through non-procedural and irregular means, is inconsistent with the principles of public management,” Schwartz-Gowases told Busch in her lengthy leaves.

She also questioned Busch about how Hashikutuva, as an intern, could engage external stakeholders on behalf of the board and establish a formal working relationship without prior consultation and blessing from her as an accountant.

Recruit

Schwartz-Gowases believed that entrusting confidential board documents to a temporary junior employee was not a good corporate governance idea.

The reason for their clash is the ambiguity of responsibilities between the executive chairman and the director.

Busch is the institution’s political head, while Schwartz-Gowases heads the administration.

Similarly, another email from human capital and administration manager Dominic Mukumba raised concerns from Schwartz-Gowases about Hashikutuva being hacked.

Mukumba argued that because of his accounting knowledge, Hashikutuva could not be employed as secretary.

“The purpose of an internship is to gain a better understanding of the field you have studied. We need to speak to the Executive Chairman (Busch) on this matter as it may tarnish the image of the council,” Mukumba warned before mentioning that a certain Brian had employed a person with agricultural qualifications which had been resolved.

Remuneration

A board member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of victimization, claims that the board’s resolutions, through the recommendations of the human resources, remuneration and ethics committees, were made in favor of Hashikutuva.

The board member stated that these decisions were made despite the fact that Hashikutuva did not have a substantive position on the board or the required qualifications.

“These recommendations are made at the sole discretion of the board, without the director having to submit them despite the objections of another board member,” the board member said.

In another email exchange on January 25, 2024, between board member Beverly Silas-Garas and Busch, in which more than 10 employees were copied, Silas-Garas stated that the reason for Hashikutuva’s salary adjustment set a precedent of favoritism among employees.

Silas-Garas disclosed in an email that some employees have been denied additional pay or favorable adjustments in the past.

After resuming his numerous duties, Hashikutuva himself also requested a salary increase, which was allegedly granted.

New Era obtained a letter that Hashikutuva sent to the HR manager, in which he complained about the salary being inadequate to his level of work.

He also lamented his unclear role and responsibilities on the council.

“It should be noted, without a doubt, that my current terms of service are contrary to the principles of fair and decent work and exploitation at the border,” Hashikutuva said.

In New York, interns and volunteers receive a monthly stipend of A$5,000.

However, documents show that despite posing as an intern, Hashikutuva saw his salary increase to NZ$14,000.

According to impeccable sources with detailed knowledge of New York affairs, Hashikutuva was paid New York $86,694 in April. It was believed to be payment for six months’ salary.

New Era received a detailed response from one of the employees mentioned in this matter. However, it was later withdrawn due to concerns about potential victimization and suspension.

Busch did not comment on follow-up questions submitted this week, even though he promised to do so. She later warned a reporter of potential legal action over reports she deemed “further defamatory.”

Justified

Last week, Busch told New Era that Hashikutuva had proven he could be more than just an administrative official.

“It is important to emphasize that there are three vacant posts in the position of Executive Chairman, namely, Executive Assistant; research and policy development specialist; and secretary. With the exception of legal services, management confirmed that he was actually doing more than 70% of his work in two vacant positions for the council in order to pay him a lower salary,” Busch explained.

New Era understands that Hashikutuva has not signed a contract for re-call.

Busch said this is due to a material difference from the board resolution passed at the October 2023 regular meeting.

Defending Hashikutuva, Busch, in an email to her colleagues, said the Schwartz-Gowases’ disapproval of Hashikutuva’s benefits was unfair.

Busch then seemingly dropped the ball on the Schwartz-Gowases court, claiming she had no contract with New York despite receiving a monthly salary.

“Colleagues, this is an injustice and blatant discrimination against Hashikutuva, resulting from an imbalance of power. In this case, the director is abusing her power when she also has no contract,” Busch said.

Schwartz-Gowases, who is currently on indefinite suspension, has stated that she is not allowed to speak to the media.

The New York Board decided to suspend Schwartz-Gowases for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to, allegations of gross misconduct, gross insubordination, and refusal to follow the board’s lawful instructions.

In her vote to suspend Schwartz-Gowases, Busch allegedly stated that the board continues to experience administrative paralysis due to an ongoing culture of gross insubordination.

Expenditure

In the 2023/24 financial year, the government financed New York with NT$20 million, of which NT$12 million was allocated to staff expenditure.

Calculations show that about 60% of the budget is spent on salaries.

New York authorities have an obligation to address the plight of young people in the country.

Over A$6 million has been allocated for youth empowerment project spending this financial year.

New York’s budget document shows these projects include loans for young people in business, support for youth with disabilities, international youth participation and more.

Yet council staff say at least 80% of projects are dormant.

Busch told a reporter that programs are in the works, including a rural youth program, a research center in New York, a resource center in New York and gardening projects in New York.

Last week, a facility for next-generation entrepreneurs launched in New York City.

[email protected]

Signature: