Dear Editor,
As a Guyanese media professional in the US diaspora, I write to publicly convey my consternation at the disaster that passed for the public presentation of the inauguration of the 8th President of Guyana on May 26, held at the National Stadium in Providence.
Like many in the diaspora, I was excited for the first time in the decades since I’ve left to witness a public swearing-in and truly mark the independence anniversary of Guyana – albeit virtually.
What I experienced first off through the pitiable webcast that passed for digital broadcasting in this technological era has left me speechless and ashamed as a Guyanese, who was excited to share details of this with my non-Guyanese colleagues.
First, the NCN’s webstream was choppy and important aspects of the speeches of key parties were interrupted constantly with advertising. What public media is this?
Secondly, it seems anyone off the street can become a television reporter. When the interviewee sounds better than the interviewer you know the media in Guyana is in serious trouble. I’m still scratching my head to understand how these so called ‘reporters’ got on television.
Thirdly, the emcee or emcees were a national embarrassment. Is this all we can offer on a global stage?
Fourthly, there seemed to have been no attention paid to the important aspects of the visual presentation and flow of this event. What I saw was a haphazard production thrown together that looked like a hastily called election rally in a rural community.
Where was the red carpet presentation and finesse of this most important event, and who was really in charge? The backdrop on the stage for the pre-show looked like it was in dire need of a coat of paint; the entertainment was woefully lacking and without real diversity – something that should have been paid close attention to as we celebrate a coalition government of hopefully one Guyana; and to make matters worse, there was absolutely no attention paid to the field stage where the President stood at least twice.
Worst of all, who allows servers to serve wine and food while the former Commonwealth General is speaking? And what kind of ministers scarf down food, chat among themselves and drink wine during a speech? Where is the protocol? Is this how we will present ourselves on a global level and expect to be taken seriously?
From what I saw, there is no doubt that Guyana has definitely suffered a tremendous brain drain in all sectors. The evidence was clear to all watching on Tuesday. I’m happy there is a new government in Guyana but I can only hope they will see it fit to tap into the vast array of resources available in the diaspora to return Guyana to the true glory days where we can stand tall and proud on any international stage.
I stand ready to serve.
Yours faithfully,
Felicia J Persaud
CMO
Hard Beat Communications
