Dear Editor,
Now that the PPP/C has sworn in its Ministers, allow me the opportunity to reflect on a few of the appointments.
Firstly, I wish to extend heartfelt congratulations to young Attorney-at-Law, Minister Keoma Griffith, who has been entrusted with the enormous responsibility of leading the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning. My prayer is that he governs fairly and justly, mindful that he is a believer, and that he carries out his duties in accordance with what God requires of him.
However, I was deeply disappointed to witness Mr. Vikash Ramkissoon taking the oath of office as Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture. This is an individual who was allegedly implicated in acts of sexual misconduct. By proceeding with such an appointment, the PPP/C demonstrates a blatant disregard for the Guyanese people and rewards party loyalists irrespective of character.
Equally concerning is the reappointment of Mr. Kwame McCoy, who was charged and convicted for sexual misconduct. Such decisions raise the question: How much more can Guyanese be expected to tolerate from politicians who bring the offices of public trust into disrepute? What example or legacy are these leaders leaving for our young people to emulate?
A new Ministry—the Ministry of Utilities—has also been formed, capturing several key sectors that previously fell under the Ministry of Public Works. It is now headed by Mr. Deodat Indar, while Mr. Madanlall Ramraj has replaced him as the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works. Reports suggest this new Ministry will oversee water, electricity, communications, and the aviation and maritime sectors.
Briefly examining this arrangement, several issues arise:
- The portfolio of Minister Bishop Juan Edghill has been reduced significantly.
- The scope of communications and electricity, once under the Prime Minister’s Office, remains unclear under this new Ministry.
- Water, previously attached to the housing sector, is expected to be absorbed here.
This begs the question: was this new structure thoroughly thought out?
Further, what will be the key functions of the new Minister within Public Works, since that Ministry will now be largely infrastructural? In the Housing Ministry, there is also a new Minister within—Minister Vanessa Benn. But if water is reassigned, what will be her substantive responsibilities?
Transparency is also lacking. The public has not been told where this new Ministry is located, who is its Permanent Secretary, the size of its staff, whether recruitment has begun, or what its likely annual cost to the Consolidated Fund will be.
In closing, it is clear that the PPP/C has lost its way in matters of morality and governance. As a people, we must remain conscious that this is not who we are. We must demand better from those who hold, or profess to hold, leadership in our nation.
Yours truly,
Annette Ferguson
