Dear Editor,
Your editorial entitled `New GWI Chief Executive’ dated October 12, 2015 that refers to the appointment of Dr. Richard Van West-Charles as an ill-advised decision by the APNU+AFC administration is rather unfortunate and indeed is bereft of the analysis expected of a national communication entity such as Stabroek News.
The direct linkage between water and sanitation and human health is well established and Guyana has had and continues to have a fair share of its disease profile related to water and sanitation. Hence this requires an in-depth understanding of the issues and the application of the principles of public health in improving our situation and there can be no doubt that Dr. Richard Van West-Charles possesses the requisite acumen and knowledge to address these issues.
The unfortunate aspect of your editorial is that time was not taken to investigate the experience of Dr. Van West-Charles. Indeed, as Guyana’ Minister of Health he had oversight for the portfolio of Health, Water, Housing and the Environment among other portfolios. Thus, Dr. Van West-Charles was responsible for the then agency responsible for water which was the Guyana Water Authority (GUYWA).
Dr. Van West-Charles worked as an international civil servant and as a professional and manager with international and world-renowned organizations such as PAHO/WHO for more than 25 years. In his capacity as Programme Officer for the Eastern Caribbean he coordinated and managed public health, water and sanitation programmes.
On completion of his stint every Ministry of Health within the Eastern Caribbean placed on record their satisfaction with his contribution and performance.
As the PAHO/WHO Representative to Jamaica, Bermuda and Cayman Islands he managed large water and sanitation projects in the inner city of Kingston, Jamaica among others; and as a result of his performance the Prime Minister of Jamaica Honourable Percival James Patterson wrote PAHO/WHO expressing Jamaica’s satisfaction with the commitment and managerial competence displayed by Dr. Van West-Charles.
During his 25 years with PAHO/WHO, Dr. Van West-Charles has had working experience in the development and implementation of projects funded by bilateral and multilateral agencies and has performed well. He has certified training in the Design and Management of Social Policies and Programmes from the Inter-American Development Bank. His 25 years of experience at the managerial level within the United Nations speaks for itself.
The principal challenges facing the new Chief Executive of Guyana Water Incorporated and the new Board are not insurmountable and the experience, technological awareness and experience of Dr. Van West-Charles provides an excellent platform to achieve the long awaited improvement in GWI’s overall quality of services and enhanced penetration into the hinterland of Guyana.
It is also notable that in 1982 as Minister; Dr. Van West-Charles commissioned a water treatment facility at Wisroc in Linden which is a forerunner to a similar water treatment facility in Wisroc now being funded by the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
It is also important to note that as an international civil servant Dr. Van West-Charles worked with Service Clubs and institutions such as Rotary International and the School of Public Health at the University of the West Indies and for his contribution to water and sanitation received many accolades.
We have every confidence that the new Chief Executive has the leadership capacity to carry out his duties as Chief Executive of Guyana Water Incorporated with a high degree of competence; and to collaborate effectively with the new Board at GWI and the public stakeholders.
Yours faithfully,
Nigel Hinds,
Chairman, GWI
