Having a foreigner as head of GTT constitutes an assault on our dignity

Dear Editor,

Last week, we celebrated 55 years of Independence.

At Independence Day, we understood that the road to genuine freedom, that is, freedom from the excesses and humiliation of the imperial powers was yet to be gained.

Earlier, I was part of a group that took part in lectures organized by the Institute of Decolonization.

All intended to ensure that our leaders of government, industry, religious organisations and civil society truly understood what Independence should be.

Much more than an anthem and a flag and being a member of the United Nations.

Recently, listening to the powers that be and some of our commentators it seems that after 55 years, we have not yet removed the shackles and mind-set which assigned us to the dust bin of inferiority.

For a few days I tried to reach the GTT Complaint Department to report a fault in my landline but got recordings, which lasted for more than five minutes.

Frustrated, I sought to get to the top for help and there I learnt that the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Justin Nedd, a Guyanese and a product of President’s College was no longer at the helm of GTT, but has been replaced by an Irish gentleman, with no ancestral or emotional connections to the people he must now overseer.

Dear Editor, the present and appropriate Ministers should explain what I consider an absurdity and pose the question – Is this a symbol of local content or is it an expression of no confidence in the many Guyanese at home and abroad, who can be CEO of this company, or is this what is meant to be by saying the private sector is now in the forefront of development.

Something must be very wrong Editor, but I am old enough to remember when we had a government that ensured that both the private and public sector agencies showed due respect to Independence and that no foreigner or alien should occupy important positions, where Guyanese are available and qualified to perform those duties.

I put away my Golden Arrowhead and take the Union Jack out of moth balls and hoist it until I get an answer of this latest assault on our sovereignty and dignity as a people.

Yours faithfully,

Eric Moseley, MS