Former Housing and Water Minister, Shaik Baksh has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).
New GWI CEO Shaik Baksh
This is going to be the second time that Baksh is heading the public utility entity. He replaces former CEO Dr Richard Van West-Charles.
Baskh served in the sector for a number of years. He held the post of Housing and Water Minister from 1998 to 2006. He also served in the capacity of CEO at the Guyana Water Inc from 2012 to 2015. The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) in a statement on Monday said that Baksh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Guyana and an MSc in Management from the University of London. He has also worked as a lecturer at the University of Guyana.
The previous Head of GWI, Dr Van West-Charles, was relieved of his duties and asked to proceed on leave until October 29, 2020, when current Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal took up office just about a month ago. Chair of the GWI Board, Dr Garvin Cummings had written to Van West-Charles, instructing him to proceed on his accumulated leave. Additionally, he was instructed to hand over all property and records belonging to GWI in his possession.
When asked about this decision, Croal had related that the Ministry is heading in another direction and it is in keeping with the restructuring and vision of the new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government.
He noted that Van West-Charles’ contract would come to an end in October of 2021.
Back in June, Van West-Charles – son-in-law of the late LFS Burnham – joined the APNU/AFC coalition in calling for the March 2 General and Regional Elections to be scrapped following irregularities. Van West-Charles was appointed CEO of GWI on October 1, 2015. (G2)
