In support of Sherod Duncan

Feb 13, 2019 Letters

Dear Editor,

While carrying out my daily reading of the various local newspapers, I came across an article on February 8, in the Guyana Times page ten (10) captioned, “GM yet to provide receipts for overseas travel”.
After reading the article, several points in the body of the story seemed to show that there is a sinister plan at work. Those areas of contention in my view are; Ø The document was leaked (by whom); Ø Mr. Duncan as GM terminated the services of Mr. Godfrey Wray, Editor and the Finance Controller; Ø Did Mr. Duncan benefit in a personal way or were these payments made in the interest of the organization?
Mr. Editor, the article has to be looked at from a position of motive. Why were the findings leaked and did Mr. Duncan get an opportunity to respond to these allegations?
From a discussion with a senior personnel at the Guyana Chronicle, the leaking of the document should not come as a surprise since the Finance Controller who was fired by Mr. Duncan is now back on the job and by virtue of his/her designation that person will obviously have access to financial documents that Mr. Duncan will have to respond.
As a matter of professional ethics, anyone who was dismissed or terminated should not be on the job until an extensive investigation into the allegations is completed and the findings are discussed with all of the relevant parties involved.
The least management should have done is send all of the parties involved on Administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Only then can management truly make an informed decision as to who was culpable of any wrongdoing.
As it relates to the financial expenditure from what is in the press, it would seem that Mr. Duncan may not have followed the procedures but I have to ask about his intent. Was he at the time under the impression that he was acting in the interest of the organization that he was managing?
This question is important because I have not seen any evidence in the press, which has suggested that Mr. Duncan embezzled funds for his personal use.
In my humble opinion, I believe the Guyana Chronicle Board needs to step in immediately or the relevant subject Minister to ensure Mr. Duncan is treated fairly because the situation that currently exists does not create an environment for fair play.

Respectfully
Ayodele Roache

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News