Dear Editor,

Not unexpectedly, the editorial of Sunday Stabroek, July 4 (Undiplomatic language), conveyed a dislike for the government and was most perverse. Of all the infinite expectations of the government, it appears that the Sunday editor believes that being supine is a quality that must be embraced.

Now let me say that the relationship of government ministers and heads of missions within Guyana is expected to be congenial and so during the course of time, personal judgments do emerge as a result of frequent interaction. In this case in particular, our very competent and reliable Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, is extremely efficient and respectful. His record remains envious and is one of which to be rightfully proud.

It is undoubtedly a sad fact that the Finance Minister had good reason to comment about World Bank Country Representative, Mr Giorgio Valentini. According to the Government Information Agency (GINA) in recent months, he had noticed “a worrying trend of shifting priorities, with the Bank’s office being relocated to a grand former colonial residence opposite one of the city’s most fashionable cafes, the recruitment of new staff, including prominently a communications officer, and frequent forays into the media by the head of the country office on all manner of subjects.”  Simply said and well put. Exactly what is wrong with detailing an occurrence taking place at the offices of a World Bank entity, and for heaven’s sake, what is undiplomatic language?

It is absurd for anyone to assume that they have a right to stifle what one should express and therefore the editor of the Sunday Stabroek must be hallucinating when she suggested that the Finance Minister adopt such a stance. How awful! Surely the Minister must always embrace the right to speak up when the circumstances demand such action.

Yours faithfully,
David DeGroot