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The skill of a person would determine the right to get a job
Dear Editor,
While I do agree with Freddie Kissoon’s column on April 17 2018l, I find troubling Freddie’s belief that “positions should go to Guyanese who stayed and weathered the storms since the late seventies.”
Of course, any resident Guyanese who is best qualified (education, work ethic, personality etc) should be hired for a job, no questions asked. However, the idea that those who stayed behind have sacrificed more and hence are more deserving, is dangerous and has led in part to substandard governance in Guyana.
Politicians of all stripes, when confronted with their misdeeds, are quick to respond, “All you left and gone, so don’t tell us what to do”, implying that they have made sacrifices and the spoils of high office are now theirs to enjoy.
In a broader context, this idea had led to undemocratic governance in countries that have fought and won liberation from colonial masters.Those involved in the struggles felt themselves more deserving to govern and went to great lengths to retain power and keep out those not involved in the struggles.
The skill sets for fighting and governance are vastly different meant little with this ethos. Mugabe was a classic example of this thinking.
There are many Guyanese who could but did not emigrate and others like Freddie who returned to contribute to Guyana. It is for civil society to recognise their contributions. Martyrdom, however, should not be a prerequisite for a job.
Mohabir Ramjeesingh
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