Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan yesterday defended the appointment of new Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) Dr Richard Van West-Charles, saying he was hired through an application process although he was not clear on the advertising of the vacancy.
Bulkan, however, emphasised that Van West-Charles is eminently qualified for the position.
Bulkan, who spoke with reporters after the investiture ceremony for national awardees, said applications were received and they were considered by the GWI board, which “decided on a candidate that was duly-appointed.”
When asked, the minister said he has seen concern in one section of the media about Van West-Charles being a political appointee—in light of his previous membership of the PNC, under whose government he was a minister, and the AFC—but he was not sure it is a widespread concern.
“I have not carefully pursued the entire media and I am not so sure to what extent that view you would have identified, how widespread it is. However, if it is so, as I said there was a process whereby applications were invited and the board considered the merits and qualification of the various applicants and the board saw it fit that Dr Van West- Charles was suitably qualified,” Bulkan said.
He added that Van West-Charles, who is also the son-in-law of the late president Forbes Burnham, has the qualifications as well as the experience to function effectively in the new capacity.
Asked specifically if the position was advertised, Bulkan said he was not sure of the extent to which it was advertised. However, the minister said he is entirely satisfied with the decision made by the board, since he considers the new CEO to be eminently qualified and in possession of the requisite experience and capability as well as dedication, energy and enthusiasm to function effectively in his new role.
Questioned about the status of the past CEO, Shaik Baksh, who was sent on accumulated leave by the Chairman of the previous GWI board after the new APNU+AFC government took office, Bulkan said he was unclear of “exact status of the terms of disengagement or separation.”
“I am not sure if it is that he has voluntary, out of an admission, that he chose to demit but I must confess I am unclear as to exactly the terms of his disengagement,” he said.
The APNU+AFC government has taken flak for not advertising several high-profile positions. One of these was the Registrar of Lands. Rosalie Robertson was appointed Registrar via a yet to be explained application process. The post of GWI CEO is another of these.
While in opposition both APNU and the AFC had hammered the PPP/C government for opaque appointments to important public positions.
