Dear Editor,
Recently, Guyana’s EPA has come under increasing scrutiny and intensifying fire. Though I have been unsparing in my contributions, I try not to be unkind. Sharp, yes; unkind, definitely not. But, because of the pivotal role that this entity plays, I must probe for some sanity through the swamp that the PPP government has entombed this country. It is unfortunate, but the microscope must include the sitting Director of Guyana’s EPA; it can’t be avoided.
I do something rare for me: I name someone: the director is Ms. Razack. I think that it is an acting appointment. That is usually the first sign of mischief; and the longer that such an acting situation persists, the greater the confirmation that political interference is afoot. More interestingly and worryingly, it is my understanding that Ms. Razack’s history has been that of journalist, and that her service at the EPA has been in that of senior responsibility for “Public Awareness”. That is impressive, and speaks well of Ms. Razack’s efforts, dedication, and the recognition(s) that came her way. I congratulate her for her longstanding service to Guyana’s public. But now I must embark on another journey, which will cause some consternation on the part of the EPA incumbent, her political guides, and those who see only the partisan or discomforting in those who identify those positions that expose and could potentially devastate this land.
I must be frank, even risk sounding harsh. It is my position that Ms. Razack’s position as acting head (subject to correction) is having the wrong person in the wrong place at the wrong time. She is at sea and out of her depth. She is ill-prepared and ill-equipped for the vastly complex and challenging tasks at hand. I regret that His Excellency and the Hon. Vice President saw it fit to manufacture this appointment to address Guyana’s crucial environmental priorities and obligations. I regret that Ms. Razack has been placed as a helpless pawn to follow the party line (leadership lines) by functioning like those three Japanese stone creatures of lore. The ones that see nothing, hear nothing, know nothing, and speak nothing.
The political bishops moving this hapless pawn around do this lady and this country a terrible injustice. For under her watch, and the directions of leading PPP spinners and weavers, there is no hazardous situation, no oil concerns that menace, no EIAs (environment impact assessment) necessary, absolutely nothing to worry about.
These two slick Guyanese leaders play this dangerous chess game that is counter to this country’s interests, the safety of its citizens, and its reputation, which is sure to rank high among polluters to be watched, possibly sanctioned.
I do not know the EPA head: if she is a party functionary (answering the call); or a convenient public servant caught in a vise not of her making. But I know this: the longer she stays, and the more deplorable her agency’s record, the worse her name will be, whenever the environment is mentioned. I wish her well and the best.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
