Dear Editor,
The information presented in the Forensic Audit Report of the Guyana Gold Board for the period of January 2012 to May 2015, is misleading as it relates to the appointment, role and functions of the Secretary of the Board of Directors. As such, the following points are highlighted to clarify the integrity and professional reputation of the former Secretary to the Board of Directors:
- The Secretary to the Board of Directors was appointed by a Cabinet decision during the period under review.
- The Secretary acted in full compliance within the mandate of the Guyana Gold Board Act, the management of the GGB and, where necessary through effective policy guidance from the former Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, which was always related to the Board of Directors by the former Chairperson.
- All tasks performed for the benefit of the organisation by the Secretary were done with the full disclosure and consent of the Chairperson of the Board, during that period.
- At no given time did the Secretary use, reuse (“lift”), misrepresent or disguise the signature of the former chairperson for any undertaking in his capacity on the Board, for professional or other benefits.
Further, it must be emphasized that the Board of Directors, during the period under review exercised their duty with effective professionalism for the development of the organisation. The following qualified and competent persons were members of the Board of Directors during the period under review; January 2012 to May 2015: Dr. Gobind Ganga – Chairperson, Saisnarine Kowlessar – Chairperson: 20125, Secretary: Bobby Gossai, Jr. (2012 to 2105), Directors: Pavita Ramkissoon (2012 – 2015), Jacques Foster (2012 – 2013), Dabria Markus (2012 – 2013), Andron Alphonso (2014 -2015), Jeffrey Thomas (2012 – 2015), Paul Geer (2012 – 2015), Nareshwar Harnanan (2012), Patricia Bacchus (2013 – 2015), Karen Livan (2012), Rickford Vieira (2013 – 2015) and the General Manager. The Compliance Officer was present on the Board as an observer in 2014, while the Assistant General Manager was present as an observer from 2013 to 2015.
Moreover, the Board of Directors of the Guyana Gold Board during the period of January 2012 to May 2015 developed and implemented new and improved mechanisms which allowed for the enhanced management and accountability of the functioning of the organisation. In addition, during this period, the Secretary along with the Management, Chairperson and Directors worked with both local and international partners to improve the overall functionality of the organisation for the areas of human resources development and improved trading and compliance-related matters.
Your faithfully,
Bobby Gossai, Jr.
