Dr Marlan Cole’s tenure as the Director of the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) came to an abrupt end yesterday when he was reassigned with immediate effect.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Malcolm Watkins officially informed Cole of the decision following a meeting with him.
“Further to the meeting held with you this morning in the office of the Permanent Secretary, I am writing to inform you that a policy decision has been taken by the Administration of this Ministry to re-assign you laterally within Programme 6 to lend technical support to the Director of Standards and Technical Services,” the letter states.
“As was discussed, Administration requires you at this juncture to work closely with the Director to assist with the capacity building of the Department of Standards and Technical Services, with particular focus on quality control. Please be informed that this re-assignment takes effect from today March 25, 2022,” it adds.
Watkins further directed Cole to meet with the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Narine Singh and the Director of Standards and Technical Services to discuss his scope of work, the specifics of his new role and the activities to be undertaken.
He was also directed to undertake a “seamless and comprehensive handover” of the operations of the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department to Singh.
“It is imperative to note that all terms and conditions of your service remain the same,” the letter concluded.
Contacted by Stabroek News, Cole would only confirm that he received the letter yesterday morning but said that he was too “distraught” to comment.
However, sources close to the agency believe Cole, a long-serving public servant, is being forced out of office.
During his tenure, he had several notable clashes with importers over shipments of food stuff and pharmaceuticals that the GA-FDD found to have failed to meet local requirements. In the face of criticisms, Cole has previously said that the protection of public health was his paramount consideration and that he executed his responsibilities without fear or favour.
