Dear Editor,

I am very disturbed to read a report today in the New York Times captioned “Guyana’s Ex-First Lady Appeals for a car”. What an embarrassing day for me? My phone was off the hook with chatters and giggles from colleagues and the wider public who know that I am from Guyana.

Indeed, Varshnie is still the First Lady. Although she may be separated from Bharrat Jagdeo she is still the First Lady. She is not legally divorced or so I assume. It is a shame that the First Lady of Guyana is treated with such disrespect and humiliation.

The article states “In a bizarre news conference, Varshnie Jagdeo said state cars are no longer available to take her to her job at a children’s charity….and she appeals…If there is anyone with a spare vehicle who can lend it to me for a while, I will be very grateful.” What a shame on the head of state and the embarrassment to the entire Guyanese community that the First Lady must beg for a vehicle. I believe the First Lady deserves a car, unless someone can prove to me otherwise.

This kind of passive aggression displayed here by the President by denying the First Lady a car and to ensure her safety is reprehensible.

The Guyanese public should be outraged by this act and call on the President not to bring disrepute to the office of President. This is classical case of personal “bitchiness” rather than professionalism. Personal life and public life should not be mixed. Varshnie is still Varshnie Jagdeo.

I am ashamed, embarrassed and agonized that the First Lady of Guyana must be treated like this. The funny thing about this issue is that the Guyanese people allow it to happen.

What an embarrassment?

Yours faithfully,

Steve Hemraj