Dear Editor,
The recent decision by the Government to terminate the services of several Regional Executive Officers (REOs) has once again raised serious questions regarding governance, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law in Guyana. While there is no denying that concerns have long existed regarding the conduct and performance of some REOs, the way these dismissals have been undertaken appears deeply troubling and potentially in clear violation of established employment laws and principles of natural justice.
In any democratic society governed by the rule of law, public officers are entitled to due process. Decisions affecting employment cannot and should not be made arbitrarily, politically, or vindictively. There are procedures, disciplinary mechanisms, and administrative protocols that must be followed. If allegations of misconduct or incompetence exist, then those matters should be properly investigated and addressed through transparent and lawful channels. Anything short of this creates the dangerous perception that dismissals are being used as political tools rather than legitimate administrative actions.
At the same time, Guyanese must not ignore the broader reality that corruption and political interference have become deeply embedded within sections of the executive machinery of the State. It is no secret that many REOs operate in an environment where directives are often handed down by political superiors, and where refusal to comply can result in victimization or removal. This culture has eroded public trust and weakened institutional independence across several arms of government administration.
However, if the Government now seeks to present itself as serious about accountability and misconduct in public office, then the Guyanese people are entitled to ask an important question: why is accountability applied selectively?
The country must be reminded of the infamous US$214 million audit controversy involving the Ministry of Natural Resources. At the center of that matter was Mr. Bobbie Gossai, who reportedly headed the audit process and claimed that the amount involved was approximately US$3 million instead of the publicly stated US$214 million. At the time, the Government sought to convince the nation that Mr. Gossai acted unilaterally, and that he was merely surcharged and warned.
Yet, despite the gravity of that incident and the public outrage it generated, Mr. Gossai remains employed within the Ministry of Natural Resources to this day.
This glaring inconsistency exposes what many Guyanese already believe that accountability within the public sector is often determined not by principle, but by political convenience and proximity to power. If REOs can be summarily dismissed, then why was similar decisive action not taken in the case of Mr. Gossai? Why the double standard?
The Government cannot credibly speak about integrity and accountability while simultaneously practicing selective justice. Such conduct undermines confidence in public institutions and reinforces the perception that there is one standard for political loyalists and another for everyone else.
Guyana deserves better. The administration of public affairs must be grounded in fairness, legality, transparency, and consistency. If wrongdoing exists, let due process prevail for all, not just for those who are politically expendable.
Yours truly,
Annette Ferguson
