Dear Editor,
Permit me space to express my disgust at the disrespect and subsequent threats to myself and fellow staff and Councilors of East Coast Demerara Neighbourhood Democratic Councils of Region 4 on Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023, at the Beterverwagting Primary School’s auditorium by the Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Mr. Julius Faerber; in the presence of officials from the Regional Democratic Council Region 4, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, and astonishingly the Deputy Chairman and staff of the Local Government Commission. What started off as a training seminar for staff development, quickly evolved into an unprofessional lecture professing sexist and demeaning leadership ethics. A few examples to illustrate the position initially highlighted are:
Participants’ interactions and involvement were severely negatively impacted as a result of the frequent bouts of disruptions by the Chairman of the Local Government Commission. Females were further berated with comments such as “yuh dress up an look nice fuh come wuk and nah want do no field wuk,” and “all yuh want wear is fancy clothes and waste time.” The “market place lecture” also extended to duly elected local authority Councilors, where the Chairman of the Local Government Commission stated that he can easily have them removed by instructing the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development to do so. In closing, the Chairman of the Local Government Commission expressed disgust with Region 3 NDC for posting his name and sending notices of non-payment of rates and taxes for his property. Does this mean that the Chairman of the Local Government Commission is exempt from the very riot act he threatened us with?
Editor, the silence was deafening, everyone gathered remained speechless. Even the Deputy Chairman who was present said nothing, but shook and held his head in dismay. Editor, I was hoping that media coverage would make my claims irrefutable, but to my astonishment not one media entity was present to offer coverage. Ironically, whenever government embarks on these ventures of training, the media is never excluded. This now leaves me to wonder if the “market place lecture” was cleverly orchestrated by the Local Government Commission Chairman, due to the notable absence of the relevant recorders, cameras and pens from media houses. Notably, relevant persons who were astonishingly absent were the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, and opposition Commissioners of the Local Government Commission. Again, the question of whether the training seminar was actually approved by the government of Guyana, and its objectives and expected outcome leaves much to be desired, since participants believe it was just a ridicule and shaming exercise, and exhibition of power by the Chairman of the Local Government Commission.
Finally, I believe in equal rights and opportunities for all. I also believe in staff development through training seminars; however, these seminars should be of value to the participants in their occupational and personal development. If staff are to be taken from active duty, and being of service to their respective local authorities, then it should be for a common good. The imperfections of staff should be addressed subtly, within appropriate times and venues.
Vince Lombardi, a famous American football coach reiterates that “We should praise in public and criticise in private.” Additionally, “True leaders always practice respect for self, respect for others and take responsibility for their actions.” Having said this, I sincerely hope that this situation can be rectified when the other regions participate in their leg of the training/”market place lecture.”
Sincerely,
(Name and Address Provided)
