Ministry must explain how Trevor Bassoo was appointed Executive Director of GNBS

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my deep disappointment and concern regarding the recent appointment of Trevor Bassoo as the Executive Director of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).

This decision has sparked outrage among many young professionals in Guyana, who are disheartened by the lack of transparency and adherence to proper HR processes in this appointment.

Firstly, it is alarming that there was no public call for applicants for this critical position. This omission not only undermines the principles of fair competition and meritocracy but also raises serious questions about the integrity of the selection process. How are we to trust that the best candidate was chosen when many qualified professionals were not even given the opportunity to apply?

Secondly, the resignation of Mr. Bassoo from GUYOIL amidst various accusations only adds to our concerns. This scandal casts a shadow over the credibility of the GNBS and raises serious doubts about the decision-making process behind his appointment. It is essential to address the following questions:

Why was there no public advertisement for the position?

 What criteria were used to select Mr. Bassoo for this role?

 Were there any background checks conducted to ensure the integrity of the candidate?

 How will the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce address the fallout from this scandal?

It is imperative that the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce provides clear answers to these questions and takes immediate steps to rectify this situation. The credibility of our public institutions is at stake, and we must ensure that future appointments are conducted transparently and with due regard for proper HR processes.

Young professionals in Guyana are eager to contribute to the development of our nation, but such incidents erode our faith in the system and discourage us from aspiring to leadership roles within the public sector. We urge the Ministry to take this matter seriously and to commit to a more transparent and merit-based approach in future appointments.

Sincerely,

Martin Softley