I was born in Georgetown, where my father was a schoolteacher. When he became an Agriculture Field Assistant he was assigned to various locations out of town, and we all followed him; so we lived for on and off in West Demerara, in the Essequibo River area, and in the Essequibo Islands. When we returned to Georgetown, we lived in Charlestown. We were poor, so I am accustomed to living a very ordinary life. I was educated at St Mary’s RC School and then St Stanislaus, both in Georgetown. My first job was at Central Garage, where I eventually became Workshop Manager. Following this I was Manager of the Guyana National Engineering Corporation (GNEC), then I was Manager of the Bel-Lu Claybrick and Tile Factory during 1979-82. I had completed a Diploma in Public Administration at the University of Guyana, but as you know, as a government officer one was often redeployed, and this is how I ended up in the forestry sector. Eventually I went to the UK to do a BSc in Wood Science and Technology, followed by an MSc in Forestry, specialising in Forest Industries Development, from the University of Wales. I am a former Commissioner of Forests at the Guyana Forestry Commission.
I would say that in my early life the Roman Catholic church had an influence on me. The other great influences came after I began to work. In the private sector, people like John Simon DeFreitas set an example of work ethic and commitment. In my government posts, at GNEC former Divisional Manager Burchell Forde and former Executive Directors Pat Carmichael and then Claude Saul taught me a great deal as well as encouraged me in the development of my career path. Later in life I was also influenced by John Douglas, former Advisor on Forestry and Dr Kenneth King, former FAO Director. I would say that at each phase of my life I was fortunate to have such persons guiding me, and advising me; allowing me to develop and bloom.
Why did you become involved in the AFC?
Back in 2005 I was completing a stint as Programme Director of Conservation International, when I was approached by Raphael Trotman, Khemraj Ramjattan and Sheila Holder with their idea of forming a political party. I was involved in several discussions on this issue, during which I made some recommendations; but the end result was that I was prepared to support them and to be a part of this, and the AFC was launched.
I had never been overtly involved in politics before this, but I have to say that what was said to me by Raphael, Khemraj and Sheila stirred me; and having had so many experiences – working for the government and being subject to political whims – I thought it was time to take a stand and made a contribution to my country in this area. I never planned to become involved in politics, but I guess you could say the time had come.
I’d like to state that I am also an environmentalist and conservationist, in essence, and I remain very concerned with this area. I thought the Alliance for Change created an opportunity for a new dispensation of politics in Guyana. Politics for us in Guyana has always been confrontational – based on race and ethnicity. The AFC’s message: “don’t vote race, vote change” was a new approach and new political culture for Guyana, that is not confrontational. This change is fundamental to a new Guyana, and it captured not only my imagination but also those of other people. Most people are suspicious of politicians and it takes some time to give trust, but what the AFC offers is a new way of cultivating pride and giving hope for the future of Guyana. This positive approach, I think, has made many people besides myself prepared to stake their future in politics in a way never seen before in Guyana.
What do you think is the AFC’s key to the future of this country?
I think we should go back to our Agenda For Change which speaks clearly of the kind of government we would like to offer: the creation of a rule of law which would be upheld. People tend to be cautious in their dealings with the law, and lack confidence in the justice system at the moment. There are too many discriminatory practices, and a lack of basic human rights. We need to develop a new culture of trust, respect for each other and institutions of government. Unless we are able to separate the judicial and the bureaucratic arms of government, people will always be concerned about whether they are being fairly treated. I feel too that we must ensure that qualified and professional and competent people are allowed to carry out their duties and functions and not be influenced in any way in the discharge of the work they are given to do.
I think that we have helped to engender a more enabling political environment in this country, which can be seen in the way that everyone is looking forward to the Local Government elections. We have to ensure that this prevails so that citizens can feel confident in electing the representatives they want for their communities; and through this, improve representation and leadership at all levels. A long time ago, when Guyana was a young republic and we were all proud of being Guyanese, we spoke of self-reliance, but we lost that will. Now, Caricom leaders are meeting to see how we can achieve some of this self-reliance to alleviate the poverty of our people.
You hold the post of Chief Executive Officer of the AFC. Does this fit in with what you hope to achieve on the Party’s behalf?
It is an elected office, so the appointment is political as well as administrative. I think that initially we were trying to create a different type of movement, then as we developed into a full-fledged political party we found that the role had changed. The office is in transition, and it is now not a CEO’s role so much as a General Secretary’s – I think this will be adjusted at our next Delegates Conference in two years’ time. Right now, the office coordinates administrative, management and political function.
I think my role is one of service. There is an old saying: “Blessed is he who has no expectations, for he is never disappointed.” I’ve run my race. I have reached the highest levels of my profession, I am a grandfather of 5. Whatever experiences I have gained I am prepared to share. I am prepared to take on whatever is required. But one has to be mindful of the fact that in the harsh realities of this world one has to satisfy basic needs and obligations.
Do you think that your long involvement in the forestry sector has defined you? Does this affect you politically?
I think what I have is name recognition. I don’t know if the effect is positive or negative, but in politics any news is good news. I think if people know us and what we stand for – and perceive us to have a high level of rectitude, integrity and professionalism, and to be trustworthy – they tend to be confident that here are people we could follow in the political arena. Sometimes politicians take a bum rap when it comes to judgement of their character, but it’s all par for the course.
What change do you want for Guyana?
I would like to see an environment in which we recognise and respect the rule of law, and the institutions of government; recognise and hold sacred the fundamental rights of all citizens. I would like to see the implementation of the recommendations of the Constitutional Reform Commission as well as the recommendations of many of the review commissions we have had in this country that would allow the participation of all citizens in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and the happiness and prosperity of all Guyanese.
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