Keith Burrowes resigns from state boards

Keith Burrowes, Chairman of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), has resigned from this position and some others as he seeks to give President Donald Ramotar a chance to review his tenure and decide on the way forward.

In addition, Burrowes stepped down as Commissioner of the Guyana National Competitiveness Programme, Director on the Board of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco), and Alternate Director of Caribbean Development Bank. He also sits on many other boards.

Burrowes’ letter of resignation to the President dated December 13, 2011, was leaked to this newspaper. It read, “At this time I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the confidence the Government has bestowed in me reflected in the various positions I held at the different Government entities. I have always been committed and dedicated to the development of this nation and serving the people of Guyana and I wish to reassure you that I will continue to do so with utmost diligence under your leadership.”

He said that when a government changes, as a matter of principle, “Board members should tender their resignation in order to enable the new President a fair chance at reviewing their tenure and deciding on the way forward.”

He said in the letter that notwithstanding the tendered resignation, he was working to wrap up the operations of the GNCB and working on a comprehensive Procurement Manual for GuySuCo.

He said that he was willing to hand over these activities to other persons on the boards of these entities.

“Please be assured that I am willing to make my services available in any of the areas as may be determined by you,” Burrowes wrote in his letter. His letter did not indicate that he has resigned from his position as Head of the Heath Sector Development Programme.