GO-INVEST Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Keith Burrowes has taken issue with him being referred as a political panderer on social media, contending that the suggestions are malicious and disturbing.
A dedicated public servant, Burrowes said he had worked under both the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administrations and is prepared to work with any Government as long as his services are in the best interest of his country.
The Go-Invest CEO who held several portfolios under the PPP/C Administration told the Guyana Chronicle that he never at any time requested to serve but was asked to by the former Presidents and he responded to their calls.
But there were a few instances where he turned down job offers, he said, due to pressing commitments. Recalling one such instance, he said several years ago he was asked by then President Bharrat Jagdeo to take over the position of CEO of the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) but was unable to do so, and indicated that to him.
Burrowes also pointed out that most of his work with the former Administration has been on a voluntary basis, and while he is by no means rich, he never took fees for serving on boards of state agencies.
In fact, he said, these sums he donated towards training and development of staff members of those organisations where he sat as a board member.
“I never position myself for any job; I never lobbied for any position. This can be verified by checking with my former employers,” a visibly annoyed Burrowes said in response to claims that he is a “soup drinker”.
PRUDENT MANAGER

Burrowes over the years has developed a reputation as a prudent and efficient public sector manager and a positive agent of change.
It was under his leadership of the Health Sector Development Unit (HSDU) that the Basic Nutrition Programme, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), was recognised by the U.S. Government.
The programme was commended for the impact it had in making a genuine difference here in the area of nutrition.
Burrowes said that under the new Government, he is prepared to accept whatever change the coalition Administration sees fit for Go-Invest.
He told this publication that he has no qualms working with the new Administration, and even if he is not retained as chairman of Go-Invest, he is more than willing to lend his expertise, honed from years of service to Guyana and working with international agencies, to the Government. This will be in the area of management and investment.
Burrowes has an interest in working closely with the diaspora to promote Guyana as an investment destination. According to reports, he was asked by the new Government to remain as CEO of Go-Invest.
Burrowes, months before the 2015 General and Regional Elections, had resigned from the board of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).
He is hoping to establish a non-governmental organisation to deal with patient care and education and offer help to persons who suffer from various addictions.

By Tajeram Mohabir