Georgetown: The Government of Guyana will be conducting audits into a number of its Embassies and High Commissions across the world as a part of the process to fully understand the dynamics of the administration.
In fact, a team has already travelled to India to perform the audit into the High Commission of Guyana in New Delhi, India.
This is according to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who was at the time speaking to media operatives about the issue of diplomatic postings at the post-Cabinet press briefing.
Harmon indicated that Government was working as diligently as possible to identify suitable persons to take up ambassadorial positions across the world and will soon make these announcements public.
“We are working hard and we are being very careful,” he said, indicating that several of these audits would have to be completed before any further action can be taken.
“All of these things are taken into consideration and at the appropriate time, we will make the announcement about foreign diplomats,” he said.
He added that applications for the diplomatic postings were currently being considered, but noted that this process would take some time.
“This is a process which takes some time, but we are in the process of considering applicants and their suitability for some of these positions,” he stated.
Harmon recognised that many were eager to know who would be the new people representing the country on the international scene, but reminded that the situation was a delicate one and rash decisions could result in diplomatic tensions.
“The relationship between countries is not one which would facilitate you just removing somebody and not appointing anyone, because it will send a signal that you have a problem with that country,” he explained.
Reports indicate that Government already recalled its Ambassador to Mexico, Bayney Karran and its Ambassador to Brazil, Merlin Udho. It is unclear whether these individuals were replaced.
Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said his Ministry will revert to rotating ambassadors in keeping with international practices.
He explained that Heads of Missions should not be in-situ for 20 years or more as the normal practice is a two to four-year rotation.
The intention is also for politicians who are not career diplomats and were given posts by the President, to bring their term of employment to an end when the President leaves office. He stressed that this has to be the case with Guyana. “There is nothing special about the PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/Civic) politicians who are wearing the hat of diplomats today. They have to recognise that they served the President that appointed them, then they have to step down; there is nothing peculiar about it,” he had reasoned.
He added that it was obvious that a President has to appoint those persons that he trusts, that he has faith in, and who know and understand his initiatives.
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