My choice for Leader of the PNC/R

Dec 06, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,
The election of Leader of one of the main political parties in Guyana is necessarily a matter of immense national significance and I am persuaded to offer my view as to the most suitable candidate for Leader of the PNC/R. This election cannot be merely an opportunity to register feelings of disappointment and frustration over the recent elections or choices based on familiarity, affection or community affiliation, but a necessary and determined step in advancing the interests of the party and society in a strategic, organised and unified manner by electing the most suitable candidate to achieve this. A keen look at the party, government, international, education, managerial, service and personal qualities of the field has convinced me that one candidate, in particular, possesses the superior qualifications, experience, temperament and vision to lead a resurgent and unified PNC/R, its allies and the nation at this time.
Dr. Richard Van West-Charles earned a Bachelor of Science Degree, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada in 1973 and did his pre-clinical studies at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica in 1975 and qualified as a Doctor of Medicine, University of Havana, Cuba in 1979. While studying he was a member and chairman of the PNC groups in Jamaica and Cuba, respectively. Upon his return to Guyana, he was elected member of the Central Executive Committee of the PNC for the period 1980-1987 during which he also served in the Burnham and Hoyte administrations as Minister of Health and Public Welfare (1980-82), Health, Housing Water and Environment (1982-85) and Medical Education, Food Policy and Environment (1985-87).
After demitting office, Dr. Van West-Charles gained a Master of Public Health in International Health, University of Michigan, USA and entered into a distinguished career as an international public servant, spanning over two decades, with PAHO/WHO in several important capacities including consultant, programme officer, country representative, area manager and special advisor on partnerships with the international financial institutions (World Bank, IMF, IDB) which necessitated extensive travel throughout the region. His important work earned him numerous honours and awards nationally, regionally and internationally.
Upon concluding his service, he returned home and established a public health consulting and private practice and founded an NGO – Partnership and Networking for the Development of Guyana and continued his party service as a member of the Meadowbrook PNC/R group; he was re-elected to the Central Executive Committee of the PNC/R in 2018 where he serves today.
In 2015, he was appointed Managing Director of Guyana Water Inc. and largely succeeded in implementing its Strategic Plan 2017-2021 which was guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 and the Green State Development Strategy which sought to ensure the provision of clean and efficient water and sewerage services countrywide, the maintenance of water quality and a reduction of waste and costs. It is well known, and appreciated, that Dr. Van West-Charles travelled throughout the country working tirelessly to deliver on this pledge.
In addition to his scientific and medical training and management experience, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles’ professional development includes training in Project Management, Leadership and Negotiation (PAHO/WHO) and certification in Health Economics, University of Aberdeen, 1994-1995 and the Design and Management of Social Policies and Programs, Inter-American Development Bank, 2002. He also holds several professional registrations and affiliations in the Caribbean and North America and is the author of several, health-related, publications. He has also served on numerous commissions, committees, and boards throughout his distinguished career.
This short summary clearly establishes that Dr. Richard Van West-Charles possesses the party, government, international, academic and service credentials unmatched by the other candidates and is my unequivocal choice for Leader of the PNC/R at this time.

Sincerely,
Oscar Dolphin

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