A tribute to a Permanent Secretary, a sister

Apr 20, 2023 Letters

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Dear Editor,

It is with great pride and joy that I write to congratulate my dear sister, Joylyn Nestor Burrowes, on completing thirty-five (35) years of stellar public service to the nation. She started her career in the prime of her youth, as a typist clerk, and moved through the ranks of the public sector where she ended her career at the highest level of public administration, that is, as Permanent Secretary (PS).  Joylyn Nestor-Burrowes began her long and distinguished career at the Regional sub-office Timehri in 1988 and in 1993 she sought and was granted transfer to the Ministry of Agriculture.

It was at this Ministry that Sister J spent most of her career. She worked there for twenty-five (25) consecutive years, where she was appointed Permanent Secretary (ag) in 2017 before she was transferred to the Ministry of Legal Affairs in 2018 and later confirmed in that position.  She is the most competent, hard-working, professional and knowledgeable PS. I know.  Her knowledge of, and belief in, the rules and regulations of the public sector are unquestionable.

In fact, her thirty-five (35) years of unblemished public service will speak to that fact.  She loved her job and knew it well! During her career she worked with seven different administrations and approximately ten (10) Ministers of Government. Throughout those many years she might have encountered her own challenges, but she would tell you that her faith in God, support of family and prayers from a cadre of pastors kept her steadfast. It is never easy to work with so many people of different personalities.

However, her professionalism and positive attitude helped her to navigate changes without much confidence and poise. PS Nestor-Burrowes is a true leader! She takes criticisms, good or bad, but is never afraid to push back when things seem out of line. She is principled! One of her most operative words is respect. Regardless of the office she holds she ensures that her first mission is to respect everyone regardless of status or age and urges others to do the same.

Sister J, as I call her, is a leader who is deliberate, methodical, and principled. She would be ready to defend her Ministry and accept blame for mistakes of those whom she supervises, regardless of whether or not she knew of the errors, at the time.  She is not the kind of leader who dodges responsibility or throws her subordinates “under the bus.”  This is the posture of a true leader. P.S Burrowes would also be ready to guide, support and encourage others in the process to elevate themselves, her staff may be able to tell you more about this. She was genuinely concerned for her staff and was committed to seeing them reach their full human potential. Such is the posture of a true leader and servant of people.

My sister, you have covered great grounds, you have given your country and people all of your still youthful life and all of your working years, yet.  You’ve worked earnestly and given your very best.  You have met every challenge, even some most unfortunate ones, but yet you persevered and stood tall because of your unblemished character and bold integrity.  The God we serve has kept you!  Your faith in God has kept you this far!  Sister J, you are a brilliant example that should remind all of us that Permanent Secretaries can truly be apolitical.  Your service speaks to your integrity! You started very humbly and ended this stint of your service in like fashion.  Despite all of your successes you would never announce them as yours, but speak of “the Ministry’s” successes and the team you work with.   You are truly an inspiration and shining example for young people who are thinking of pursuing a career in public service.  You are an inspiration to me!  I am proud to call you my sister and the most brilliant and professional Permanent Secretary I know.

In closing, I want to thank the Staff, Attorney General and Minister of Ministry of Legal Affairs for recognizing your service and paying tribute to your excellent work.  Their decision to host a wonderful celebration event in recognition of your stellar service is commendable. My sister, Sister J, Madam PS, I wish you every ounce of happiness in your next chapter. This one is over, but I know with your wealth of knowledge and skill set you have a whole lot more to offer.I thank you for your service to Guyana, a country you love dearly.  The Public Service can do well with more of you. With more of your kind of professional ethics and standards!To God be the glory!

Regards,

Lurlene Nestor

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• Joylyn Nestor-Burrowes, Lurlene Nestor, ministry, Permanent Secretary, Timehri

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