Dear Editor,
An Oath is a pledge taken by an individual to denote his/her intention to perform truthfully and faithfully to specific tenets. Oaths taken by members of certain professions and those holding certain positions of responsibility address behaviours which apply to their personal and professional lives. Some should also be guided by a Code of Ethics which articulates desirable values.
Physicians take the Hippocratic Oath and those in Guyana are expected to adhere to provisions of the Medical Practitioners Act and the Code of Ethics of the Medical Council. The Regulations made under the Act define misconduct in personal behaviour thus: “conduct derogatory to the reputation of the medical profession or a conduct of unbecoming of a medical practitioner.” The Code of Ethics includes among its tenets “acting with honesty, integrity and compassion” and “maintain appropriate standards in all aspects of the health professional’s private and public life”.
It is evident that Bheri Ramsaran violated the Oaths which he took (including that of Member of Parliament) and the relevant Regulations during his encounter with Sherlina Nageer. What is not obvious is the mechanism which is in place to hold Oath-takers accountable.
Bheri Ramsaran is not the only professional in the current administration who has violated Oaths. Others, including physicians and attorneys-at-law, have done so as well without similar action being taken as a means of redress.
I trust that those who aspire to lead the next administration come May 12, 2015 will be well schooled in the meaning of the Oaths they take, have the character to uphold their Oaths and the resolve to act truthfully, faithfully, honestly and with dignity for the good of the people of Guyana. I would like to bring to their attention that, where an Oath requires them to say “I swear …”, what is intended is not the ready use of expletives but rather the making of a solemn promise.
Yours faithfully,
Janice M. Jackson
