Dear Editor

Tuesday evening, 9 March, 2010, those many present at the Hotel Tower, Rupununi Room, were treated to a refreshingly brilliant exposition by Carl Greenidge, former Minister of Finance, amongst other roles, on ‘the legends and legacies of Hugh Desmond Hoyte’ as President of Guyana.

Refreshing is the descriptor which came readily to mind, even allowing for the extended and somewhat detailed presentation.  If at one time or another certain nuances might have been missed by the listener, what was engaging throughout was the sense of ownership, so freely expressed, for the decisions in which the former Finance Minister was involved.  There was the critical admixture of pride and humility.

Against the background painted of the economic and political environment of the times – both local and international – the lecturer, adopting the role of observer, gave a rather candid recital of achievements and failures of the Hoyte Administration.  In the process he spared neither commentary on personal idiosyncrasies and foibles nor, importantly, on the attributes of honour, honesty and dignity which characterised the man and his Administration.

There was no casting of blame; rather there was an acknowledgement of a performance which continues to merit more structured analysis even in the posthumous era of spin – emphasising perhaps the contrasting environments which have impacted on our shared experiences.

Yours faithfully,
E B John