Dear Editor,
The various articles in some of the daily national newspapers which seem to have an angle of negativity to hamper my professional career are unsupported by any evidence or reference to any evidence of forgery or fraudulent acts. These articles are a regurgitation of old news that was reported in April 2016. At that time, when the reports of the forensic audit were first made public, I issued a public statement on all matters; stating that I acted within the confines of my job on all related matters for the Guyana Gold Board, and discharged my responsibilities professionally and in accordance with the directions of the Board of Directors. As such, let me re-state what was noted then:
- The Secretary to the Board of Directors was appointed by Cabinet decision during the period under review.
- The Secretary acted in full compliance within the mandate of the Guyana Gold Board Act, the management of the GGB and, where necessary through effective policy guidance from the former Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, which was always related to the Board of Directors by the former Chairperson.
- All tasks performed for the benefit of the organisation by the Secretary were done with the full disclosure and consent of the Chairperson of the Board, during that period.
- At no given time did the Secretary use, reuse (“lift”), misrepresent or disguise the signature of the former chairperson for any undertaking in his capacity on the Board, for professional or other benefits.
Moreover, let me underscore, that during my tenure as Secretary to the Board of Directors of the Guyana Gold Board, I performed my duties which were directives from my seniors. At no time, did I undertake any task (financial, procurement, managerial, human resources, or otherwise) on my own accord. All tasks were done with the full knowledge of the Guyana Gold Board’s management team, its Directors and Chairperson, and the subject Minister, at that time. I served the Board with honour. I was never terminated or dismissed from the Board. My terms were all fulfilled for each period that I served on the Board.
Further, as I embark on a new opportunity, this old news which seem to be some sort of a personal mission to tarnish my professional character must end. We are living in serious times, in a country that is looking for serious developmental principles, as such, we must focus on the issues that matter for our growth as a nation, and not on personal agendas that may seek to disrupt someone’s integrity.
My entire professional career has been built on my abilities to successfully perform the tasks which have been given to me. I have always executed my job with honour, integrity and respect, which has afforded me the opportunity to be effective in achieving those respective goals.
Should these character attacks not be stopped, then the appropriate actions will be sought and implemented, accordingly.
Yours faithfully,
Bobby Gossai, Jr.
