Dear Editor,
‘Apology as Chairman of the Board stands‘ refers (SN, July 21). It is encouraging to hear this, and in a spirit of understanding – Christian understanding – I believe.
However (yes, there is that), it is regrettable that: a) the Chairman was not familiar with the offensive material in the letter column at the time of the interview; b) he allowed himself the discretion – perhaps inexcusable – of silence, on such a sensitive issue, and for such a long time; and c) it took a comment from yours truly to prompt a clearing of the air. Still, it is heartening. Now, I seek to share a few additional thoughts, which I see as related to oversight responsibilities.
For starters, if the Chairman did not know of the letter, he ought to have known. It is part of the territory. Also, in general terms, men at the helm of more self respecting and accountable entities are expected to vacate office when others in their domain err egregiously. If they do not go willingly, the door is forced upon them with an assist from behind. I tender the recent example of Barclays PLC, and the departure of top men. It is the way it should be. Sometimes, all it takes is one blowup, one scandal only, and it is enough – game over, case closed. Something close to such a standard is desperately needed here in Guyana. Just don’t hold any long breaths.
For it is my belief that there would have been no change at GT&T, if locals had had a say in the decision-making, even though what occurred was the right thing to do, the only thing to do. Similarly, given the deaths in Linden, it is only right that the Minister of Home Affairs depart, or be given the boot – an unceremonious one. Of course, neither is not going to happen. Here is the concern on such things in Guyana: How many severe lapses of judgment and dereliction of accountability are permitted for the entrenched viceroys? Incidentally, a hyphen could be inserted in that title; it belongs.
Further, I think this comedy about resignations and transfers really should stop. The only utility I see to these special side deals (and that is what they are) is to keep secrets in-house. Transfers afford serial lawbreakers new opportunities and a virgin environment to weave their wicked ways. Similarly, resignation is a synonym for rearrangement: Go today quietly; come back tomorrow more quietly as adviser, consultant, or in some other lucrative set-up. When taken together, transfers and resignations are in essence poorly concealed protection rackets and witness protection programmes. No one should need any enlightenment as to who is protecting whom in these reciprocal ‘I got your back‘ nuptials.
So, whether troubling newspaper pieces, or massive fraud and corruption, or police shootings, I submit that those in charge should not be allowed a continued presence to inflict additional abominations and distresses on society. The choice is clear: They should fall honourably on their sword. Or, failing to do so, they should be carried out in the bureaucratic equivalent of a body bag. To the courts.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
