Dear Editor,
I am responding to Brother Eusi Kwayana’s letter captioned “I strongly object to the appointment of Shri Gossai as an adviser on ethnic relations and culture” (02.01.17) as it relates to comments attributed to me. I respect his views but it appears to me that Mr. Kwayana inadvertently objects to an appointment that does not exist. And in effect, the matter should be a non-issue.
I know Brother Eusi having attended several of his lectures at CUNY and at public discourses on Guyana in NYC. I also had the good fortune of interviewing him several times in Guyana and NY for newspaper articles I penned for NYC publications. Although both Kwayana and I fought against the dictatorship, he belongs in a different league with the towering figures who fought in the “revolution” ushering in democracy in Guyana. The views of a hero like Kwayana must be taken seriously. But some of his points, especially those drawing references to comments in a letter I penned on Gossai’s appointment need my clarification.
I erroneously wrote that Gossai would advise the government on ethnic and religious affairs. And Kwayana and a few others have harped on the mis-statement accepting it as fact even though the government has issued a public statement that Gossai is a Special Assistant to the President and not a religious or ethnic advisor. The faux pas was mine. I apologize for misleading the public and deeply regret the damage it has caused to Gossai as well as to the President.
It was not my intention to suggest that Gossai was appointed as “advisor” because of his Hindu background or because of his spirituality or because of his love for followers or supporters.
It would be unwise for the President to undertake an appointment based on religious qualification. And indeed the President’s office has clarified that Gossai is not a religious advisor. I believe that should close the matter and end questions about the motivation behind the appointment.
It is my belief that Prakash Gossai will make an excellent assistant to the President. He is a man of multiple talents. He is a former UG lecturer, Bio-Chemist at various prestigious labs in Georgetown, teacher and lecturer in NYC, and a brilliant interpreter of the Hindu scriptures. He has travelled extensively to various parts of the globe. The fact that someone is a Hindu or is spiritual should not disqualify him or her to serve as an Assistant to the President. And the constitution, with precedents going back to Burnham, Hoyte, Jagan, etc. allows for the appointments of Special Assistants by the President.
In critiques on the appointment, no justifiable reason was presented to contradict the Office of the President’s statement on Gossai’s non-religious appointment. Instead of harping on something that is not factual, the country will be better served if energies are channelled on the positive aspects of the appointment and the important contribution Gossai can make in the country’s growth and development.
I think Guyanese should rejoice at Gossai’s decision to leave his lucrative practice to return “home” to make a contribution. He lives a very comfortable life in NYC and travels a lot. At a recent religious service he indicated that it has been his burning desire to serve his country. He said it was his longing to work along with those interested in making Guyana a place of harmony, peace, joy and true camaraderie.
Gossai can serve Guyana in many capacities because of his varied skills and capabilities. I think he would be effective in whatever position the President seems him fit to do. I should note that as a prominent Hindu, it is amazing how he makes reference to the Koran, Bible, and Torah urging Hindus to respect other religions and ethnic groups. In so doing, he demonstrates the universality of God and the love for humans regardless of ethnicity. He shows no prejudice against any religion or group. Imam Haji Zakir and Rev. Seopaul Singh have uttered praises to Gossai and even visited his mandir – a clear indication that he is well respected by leaders and followers of other faiths. Thus, I don’t think his Hindu background will compromise his objectivity in his duties assigned to him by the President.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
