I would like to congratulate Guyana’s new Foreign Minister, Ms Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett on her new post and ask her a few questions. Guyana currently does not have an ambassador to the United Nations. When will Guyana appoint an ambassador to the United Nations? Many years ago it was announced that there would be rotation of ambassadors. When is that going to happen? In addition, another OIC meeting is soon approaching. Will Ms Rodrigues attend the OIC Foreign Ministers Meeting in Uganda on June 18-20, or will this be another last minute event? Will the activities of the Foreign Ministry be posted and updated online? And lastly, when will President Jagdeo’s promised visit to the Middle East take place?

In the past, we have witnessed many embarrassing episodes in which Guyanese diplomats were given last-minute instructions to attend bilateral and multilateral meetings, and they were sent without proper briefings, without the necessary documents and not in a timely manner, resulting in a poor image of Guyana. A good example was the recent OIC Heads summit meeting in Senegal.

Guyanese diplomats need to be versed in the history and activities of the forum they are attending, should know what to expect and should be actively involved in the deliberations of these meetings.  It is my hope that the new minister will be given the freedom to change Takuba Lodge.

Letter to the Editor May 12th 2008