GT&T says farewell to Joe Singh

Aug 22, 2010 News

GT&T, on Thursday, said farewell to its former CEO, Major General (rtd), Joe Singh, during a reception Thursday night at the International Convention Center. From left is Singh, Prime Minister, Sam Hinds and newly appointed CEO, Yog Mahadeo.

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) has said goodbye to its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Major General (rtd), Joe Singh, who demitted office on July 31, after five years at the helm.
Prime Minister, Sam Hinds, the guest of honour, speaking at a cocktail ceremony held Thursday at the International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, and attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, Private Sector leaders, among others, lauded the outstanding service rendered to the country by Singh, in his numerous capacities.
Singh, a former Army Chief-of-Staff, was also a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission; Executive Director of Conservation International (Guyana) before taking control of the telecommunication company.
“You managed to ensure that things remain relatively calm during a period of unrest…,” Hinds said in his toast, referring to unrest in the streets of the capital city following the 1992 elections. Singh was in charge of the army at the time.
The PM, in highlighting other instances of Singh’s character and discipline, also acknowledged his concern for the protection of the environment and his commitment to its preservation and orderly development. This led to him supporting initiatives by government, including the Low Carbon Development Strategy.
PM Hinds also recalled other areas of collaboration with the former CEO including the push for reform of the telecommunications sector and sector liberalisation.
The PM also joked about himself possibly joining Mr. Singh in retiring and seeking his feedback on how that phase of life would be, especially where there is no excuse of having to go to office/work.

Invitees at a cocktail reception Thursday night hosted by GT&T to say goodbye to former CEO, Major General (rtd), Joe Singh.

Newly appointed CEO, Yog Mahadeo, also lauded Singh’s contribution to the company and admitted that he would have “big shoes to fill”. Revealing Singh as a mentor from whom he obtained guidance that helped to shape his work ethics, Mahadeo believe this will prove valuable in enabling him to fulfill the role as CEO.
“Chief, yes we still call him Chief …..It was an incredible journey and you have served well….” Mahadeo said.
Singh, in his farewell speech, expressed gratitude to employees of the company.
The former army official also admitted that while he never formally applied for any job, confessed that it may be due to his performance that he was pursued for other positions after his formal retirement from the military.
Chairperson of the event, GT&T’s Deputy General Manager Terry Holder disclosed that Singh was his junior at Queens College and said that he had been impressed by his discipline and dedication to duty.