I WRITE concerning the matter of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Nursing Director, Ms Colleen Hicks and the Chief Executive Officer.From the onset of the new Administration of President David Granger, there was one outstanding proclamation, “Professionalism.”
Please allow me to congratulate Brigadier (rt’d) President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and the entire coalition on their assumption to office of Government of this great Republic.
I ask an all important question, was Ms Hicks really insubordinate or was she acting professionally. Please be reminded that the CEO has worked under a previous Government, which for the greatest part was more dictatorial than professional. The CEO may have always had it his way without professional considerations and reasoning and now Ms Hicks, if you know her, in her professional stance.
The way forward with her therefore, and for that matter with any professional is not, “I say do this or do that but rather the use of their professional know how and hence discussions rather than directives.”
Mr Editor, what is even more disturbing and perhaps sympathetic is the response of the new Public Health Minister. I have every reason to believe that the David Granger Administration is serious about professionalism and therefore all the Ministers, seniors and juniors, must adhere to that call.
The Minister of Public Health in his opening statement felt that the matter was blown out of proportion because Ms Hicks was not fired but her Probation period had come to an end and the CEO did not bother to confirm her as the Nursing Director because of insubordination. Then there seems to be a disclaimer in his next set of statements about the possibility of him being misled as to the facts of her employment.
Even if Ms Hicks was on Probation, did the Minister take time to check out the matter thoroughly and professionally?
All of the new Ministers of the Government must be careful and cautious in their quest for high praise on their jobs that they are not found to be partial for their own personal purposes and as well as the false use of Executive authority.
It is time to review Ms ‘Hicks’ matter thoroughly.
I urge the new Administration to truly embrace professionalism at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and help stop the death rate at this institution.
May God bless this great nation of Guyana.

REV. O’BRIAN WELCH