Dear Editor,
I would like to express my profound delight at the tempo of the new Government – which is of, by, and for the people of Guyana – as it seeks to fix our broken country. As its officials move forward with their bold plan to deliver a better deal – with better jobs, better wages and a better future for all Guyanese – I would like to wish them well.
Every morning, the people of Guyana are met with the good tidings of the various cabinet members working around the clock to protect workers’ rights; modernise and professionalise the Public sector; ramp up COVID-19 testing and treatment; develop a sports policy; seek to reopen the shuttered sugar estates; ensure the safety of schools and their opening at the earliest possible time; improve water and housing services etc.
Indeed, the President, the Prime Minister and the Ministers have begun their term like the proverbial house on fire.
More recently, there have been multiple appointments within the Foreign Affairs Ministry; where, again, good judgement was shown as we seek to create the best diplomatic service in the region. Undoubtedly, these persons would do well in pushing our national interests and supporting our economic and commercial interests.
However, here’s a word of caution: There should be no rush by the new Government to remove and replace highly trained and experienced diplomats. This would be a mistake of monumental proportions.
Additionally, I suggest that urgent consideration be given to tapping the resources of our foreign service experts of the likes of former Director General and former Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, who is a brilliant diplomat and skilled negotiator with unique skills and tremendous institutional knowledge, and whose outstanding skills in diplomacy are not being currently utilised.
Sincerely,
Kishore Das
