Dear Editor,
On Sunday July 11th 2021, I attended the book launch, a book compilation of tributes edited by Donald Sinclair and entitled: “Re Joyce” in honor of the public work, or public ministry, of his sister, Joyce Sinclair. The launch was graced with the academic presence of Al Creighton, Dean and Senior Lecturer, University of Guyana, as Chair of the proceedings. Some of the contributors to the program were former Minister of Public Service, Ms. Yvonne Harewood-Benn, Ms. Karen Davis, Vic Insanally, Jerry Gouveia and other citizens in our society. In our career paths at the United Nations Development Program, she came to the Organization not wearing her earlier accomplishments on her sleeves. It was as if she weren’t there; that’s the modesty I saw in her.
One quality for me that stood out in her character was how “on-time” she was, even in her later years of service as an employee. One could always arrive at work and Joyce was ahead of you. Her excellence in punctuality stood tall. In all of her excellences, I found her to be a humble person. She was focused, a single eye on what was her role and the need to fulfill and complete that role or task in the designated timeframe. Loud and aggressive was certainly not part of who she was. I have to think hard to remember whether I ever did hear her speak loudly. For me, she personified all that she preached and practiced. There were some who thought she was a “miss put to right” and a “miss know it all” but for me she was a good and necessary put to right. No one was doing it, and no one was taking the responsibility to correct the ill manners in our society and she rose to the responsible role of good manners. I guess it would be correct to say, her vision was a Guyana vision and not a Joyce Sinclair vision of a “good manners” Guyana.
Guyana was blessed that one of us saw the need to pioneer this responsible role of good manners in our society. She was an icon of good manners, in person and on the telephone. As I write, I am remembering her on our radio Viewpoint program, with her emphasis on good telephone manners followed by the publishing of books on “High Quality Customer Care”, Polishing your Telephone Manners”, “Receptive Courtesies” and “Courtesy Tips for Children”. She will always be remembered for the telephone smile that the person at the other end can detect or see. Her name is synonymous with telephone etiquette. She served her gift and talent very well. The strength of Guyana’s Public Service Ministry is the strength of Joyce Sinclair. Joyce in her role as Permanent Secretary, left an indelible mark and legacy in this Ministry. May her soul rest in peace!
Sincerely,
Maria Rodrigues
