Dr. Roger Forbes Luncheon was a man with an exceptional mind

Aug 08, 2023 Letters

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Dear Editor,

Kaieteur News – I am motivated to pen these few lines, partly because I’ve noticed some persons on social media etc. casting aspersions on the late Dr. Luncheon. I am yet to see any of those contributors, local or in the Diaspora, attest that he or she was in the room, or have first-hand knowledge of the alleged societal wrongdoings they are parroting.

I feel that this sordid trend of wanton abuse of social media for character assassination could become counterproductive if continued to snowball unrestrained. So dear readers, kindly permit me to share some cherished thoughts of Dr. Luncheon from a vantage point of being directly addressed by him. And, by the way, even as I write this, another doctor is being crucified without an iota of unbiased, objective analysis of context, or a study of the influencing circumstances. Remembering the gentleman’s sobriquet, I would adjust to say; “crucified a second time”.

Dr. Luncheon’s vast experience and nimble intellect produced an uncanny way of politely completing my statement or question, and providing a response while I am still working out in mind the best way to present a matter consistent with the respect which should be accorded one holding the high office of Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS) and also, Secretary of the Defense Board.

Two examples come to mind: one Saturday morning while chatting I thought that the line of conversation he initiated provided an opportunity to express my concern about the state of cooperatives in our cooperative republic. The subject current Minister was undoubtedly committed to the philosophy and movement, but I wasn’t sure the majority of Cabinet members had fully grasped the significance and potential of cooperatives along with the application of its resources as a game changer in Guyana’s multi-ethnic human development process.

On the contrary, Government had just unveiled a set of policies to support the intent that the private sector should be the engine of economic growth. However, the cooperative as a transformational galvanizing pillar was marking time. I was thinking about my possible contribution to a greater awareness when he leaned forward and said “you have a lot of experience in field work and administration, your skills could be wider utilized in our nation’s development program. Send me a one or two pager outlining your skill set, background and willingness to serve in a higher capacity than your current assignment”.

As I walked out his Office, I let out a conceding giggle; it hit home that the HPS had disarmed me and subtly conducted a job interview by applying a strategy of targeted, light banter with sprinklings of old fashion Guyanese vernacular that included his trademark “the banna/ them bannas”.

I recall another time Doc displayed his ‘mind-reading’ gift. Around December 2014, having gotten past the topic of his official summons, he settled into initiating a free flowing discussion about some of his administrative experiences; I felt honored to be hearing such amazing analyses and conclusions.

A voice in my head was saying “the great man is providing awesome guidance to me, a person with whom he only recently got acquainted (well maybe he had the benefit of a dossier).”  As if he heard my thoughts, he switched gears and said “in life, to have someone of significance believe in you and got your back at the rightful time, is of inestimable value”. He identified Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Justice Kenneth George as having being two such persons to him. The former took him under his wing and protected his phenomenal personal growth, while the latter helped fashion his commitment to higher education, decency and professionalism. That was his unique way of hinting he may have been treating me in a similar light.

The departed, as an individual, was committed to a professional public service and representative industrial relations practices therein. During our last meeting before the March 2015 election, he mentioned his disappointment at not fostering a robust Public Service Association (PSA) to look into the interests of senior public servants.

The current PSA head had moved on from being a permanent secretary to an appointment as head of a newly established authority within the agricultural sector. I was asked to consider a key assignment to help revitalize the PSA into becoming a more vibrant and effective body after the upcoming general and regional elections.

We spoke briefly twice during the 2015 – 2020 previous administration period. He emphasized two similar points both times: one, his failing health, in particular his eyes; and two, his deep concern that the government was making several serious policy and administrative mistakes. They blatantly ignored the fact that they could have reached out and tap into his two decades of senior governmental experience.

As for the two pager; I sent to him as requested. Didn’t hear anything else though we interacted a few times after. He made no reference nor did I. Towards the end of December, 2014, some eight months after I submitted, he called (he had a way of calling late night around 10 pm with the words “you up?”.

Because this was far apart, I would naturally respond “who is asking please” to which he hung up. This morning around 6 am, having grown accustom to the drill, I was prepared. We got past the “you up” salutation.  He said “About that paper, the President and I have decided you should be invited to undertake higher governmental responsibilities, your subject minister, (a man who was making baby steps to become head of state) has readily concurred. Let me know what you think early. I am looking forward to announce your appointment to the nation.”

Dr. Roger Forbes Luncheon was a man with an exceptional mind who stealthily applied indescribable administrative power which was buttressed by a disarming wit and unpretentious humility; a Guyanese to the bone and an avowed Marxist clothed in unwavering patriotism.

It’s ironical that this accomplished medical doctor, who directly contributed to the healing process of so many, fell victim to being an unrelenting workaholic that made missteps in taking better care of his health. Often at his desk from 5 am to having late night meetings, he used his Saturday 10 am ‘meet the people’ time to ‘ground’ with persons from all walks of life while unwinding in the process; the Kitty ‘roots man’ on dashing display during the discourse.

Today, as I edge closer to my allotted three score and ten, I can undoubtedly say there is no other person with whom I have interacted so little that taught me so much.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and others in mourning. May he rest in peace.

Yours faithfully,
Derrick Cummings

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• Cabinet Members, Derrick Cummings, f Cabinet Secretary, Justice Kenneth George, the Defense Board

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