Latest update January 4th, 2025 5:30 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Are these awards reserved for friends of politicians who are in power?

Oct 08, 2015 Letters

Dear Editor,
Could the President of Guyana, acting in his capacity as the Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana, explain the rationale and give justification to the Guyanese public for selecting Hamilton Green to be the recipient of the second highest national award?
According to the details of the Orders, decorations, and medals of Guyana, the Order of Roraima of Guyana (O.R.) is limited to only thirty five living Guyanese recipients and is awarded to any citizen of Guyana who has given outstanding service to the nation. Specifically, it is reserved for Guyanese who have gained distinction and eminence in any field of endeavour of national or international importance.
On bestowing the honour on Green, it was stated that it was for his “long and outstanding involvement in the struggle for independence and for his role in providing public service for three generations.”
Now this must be a joke. What about distinguished gentlemen the likes of Fenton Ramsahoye and Balram Singh Rai of the same era who contributed significantly more to the independence struggle than Hamilton Green without his controversial past? What about the iconic political figure Eusi Kwayana? Is he not more deserving than Green for his independence contributions? None of these gentlemen were considered and one wonders whether these awards are reserved for friends of politicians who are in power.
And on to the second part; ‘providing public service for three generations’. Is this award merely for political endurance and prolonged existence? Let us look at Hamilton Green’s prolonged and macabre political life. As Mayor of Georgetown, the only distinction he probably has is that of being the world’s longest serving Mayor, whilst Georgetown deteriorated to the filthiest and most lawless capital city in this hemisphere. Is this award for converting Georgetown from the “Garden City of the Caribbean” to the “Garbage City of the Caribbean?”
Is this award to recognize his role as the official “enforcer” as he headed several Ministries eventually becoming Prime Minister. If he provided such sterling public service for three generations, why did Burnham remove him as First Vice President – and replace him with Desmond Hoyte? Why did Desmond Hoyte kick him out of the party?  What kind of message is the President sending to the young people of Guyana? That they should emulate Hamilton Green?
Mark Roopan

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

GBBFF boss reflects on milestones and leadership transition

GBBFF boss reflects on milestones and leadership transition

Jan 04, 2025

Kaieteur Sports- Guyana’s bodybuilding scene has reached unprecedented heights, with outgoing President of the Guyana Body Building and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), Keavon Bess, hailing 2024 as...
Read More
National stars shine in GCF End of Year Chess Tournament

National stars shine in GCF End of Year Chess...

Jan 04, 2025

Two more young cricketers benefit from Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”.

Two more young cricketers benefit from Project...

Jan 04, 2025

Tonight: Sparta Boss goes up against Bent Street ‘A’ for K&S National Futsal title

Tonight: Sparta Boss goes up against Bent Street...

Jan 03, 2025

Botafgo pummel Milerock, 11-7, to become new UDFA Christmas Futsal Champions 

Botafgo pummel Milerock, 11-7, to become new UDFA...

Jan 03, 2025

BCB player transfer window opens for 2025 

BCB player transfer window opens for 2025 

Jan 03, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]