Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my disenchantment with the falling standards and lack of professionalism or objectivity which has permeated our ‘Dear Land of Guyana’. As a young army officer, I was once accused of opening a Pandora’s Box’ during an Officers’ Mess Meeting. I run the risk of doing the same again.
The present controversy existing as a result of the shake up at the Guyana Defence Force’s hierarchy can be heatedly debated; particularly when the method and timing is considered. Any military organisation and indeed country worth their salt, is enshrined, as opposed to, enslaved by tradition and culture. I am sure that the President in arriving at his decision was tortured but cognizant and chose a team he thought best to lead the army for the future.
However, his call for the return to professionalism seems to be falling on deaf ears. I refer to page 14 of Stabroek News of Sunday September 30, 2007 where the Commander ‘A’ Division, too casually dressed, was on a crime scene with the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs. I also recall the Traffic Chief in a previous edition of Stabroek News, too casually dressed and the Hon. Minister of Foreign Trade at an official function at Namilco, so dressed.
Should the President have to remind these and other public figures about the need to
project an appearance of respectability; thus, inspiring the feeling of confidence and trust of the general public? There exists a dress code at all Ministries which demand the public conform to this. Why then does the opposite/prevail? Public figures – Ministers, Police Officers, Army Officers, Priests, Nurses, etc. are ‘always’ on duty, consequently dress helps to condition one’s thoughts and chain of action. This can be the launching pad for the return to professionalism.
In closing, to the displaced hierarchy, be objective in your reasoning. In the passage of life, everyone on occasions is a victim of injustices.
Congratulations to the new team and the very best of luck. My hat off to the President for rocking the boat, your attention is now needed in other areas.
Yours faithfully,
Gerard Payne
