Dear Editor,
I read with great interest a very informative and well-articulated piece of writing in your paper on February 10, penned by Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (‘Norton’s statements on foreign policy irresponsible’).
Her statements have certainly brought to the forefront her efforts in representing Guyana’s interest on the international platform. I am pleased that all that has been achieved is for the benefit of our country and the Guyanese people in general.
The role being performed on the international scene as it relates to Guyana’s foreign policy is of great importance and all the expertise utilised in this regard will be for the betterment of those policies.
Despite having more than 80% of its graduates migrate to other nations, Guyana is still fortunate to be blessed with people who possess the sagacity, experience and the know-how to function effectively in any government portfolio, or give valuable and informed advice and make constructive criticism to these officers when the need arises.
The main opposition bloc, APNU, has suffered a major blow to the Foreign Affairs shadow ministerial portfolio with the unfortunate resignation of Ms Deborah Backer, arguably one of the best debaters in parliament.
This portfolio is extremely important and whoever is chosen to function therein should be someone who is not just experienced and qualified. This individual should possess good insights into the core issues of Guyana and the international community; he or she must be a charismatic individual with the charm and the wit to bridge the divide in the best interest of Guyana and its people. This individual should be one who is able to gain the respect of his or her party and the government, but most importantly should be able to gain the confidence of the voters.
The few names proposed by PNC/APNU to the media, do appear to be noteworthy candidates. But what is certain is that none possesses the kind of popularity that will garner support from voters like Mr Aubrey Norton.
The question now is what will PNC/APNU do? Will they put their internal party business interest first, or gamble with the prospects of garnering more potential votes?
What is certain is that time will tell.
Yours faithfully,
Jermaine Figueira
