Burrowes appointed presidential advisor

– to help establish development bank

By Michael Younge

President Donald Ramotar has officially appointed Keith Burrowes as his newest advisor who will focus on financial management and help establish a development bank. Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon confirmed Burrowes’ appointment on Wednesday.
Burrowes, who heads the Health Sector Development Unit and the City Council’s Implementation Committee also sits on numerous state boards. “Mr Burrowes has indeed been appointed… the president has indeed issued instructions to that effect,” Dr Luncheon disclosed while responding to questions from the media at his post-Cabinet press briefing held at the Office of the President on Wednesday.
Luncheon said that Burrowes currently sits as chairman of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-INVEST) and is head of Health Sector Development Unit within the Health Ministry. He explained that President Ramotar obviously recognised the skills and competencies of Burrowes and moved to capitalise on them.
“Mr Burrowes, I must admit, is a man of many talents has assumed this additional responsibility without reducing his involvement in other areas,” the HPS noted.
Asked whether Burrowes, who is also chairman of the board of directors at the Guyana Chronicle, would receive any additional benefits and remuneration packages, Dr Luncheon responded in the negative. “ He has assumed this additional responsibility under what we might call pro bono terms and conditions, that is, without any recompense, these are voluntary services being offered to the president and his office and the nation by extension,” he asserted.
Burrowes is expected to work closely with the Office of President in the areas of financial management, strategic planning and developing the concept of establishing a development bank.
Guyana Times International understands that he will also advise Ramotar on other issues related largely to the country’s move to strengthen public/ private partnerships.
Happy to serve
When contacted by this newspaper, Burrowes said that he accepted the offer made by President Ramotar after much thought and consideration.
He said that he was always happy to serve his country because he was eager about seeing Guyana continue along the trajectory of impressive growth and development. Burrowes admitted that he had been engaged in discussions with President Ramotar about taking up several other posts, but he declined some because he wanted to ensure that he served the country in area that he was competent and passionate about.
“I must admit that I was honoured and I am very humbled by the confidence that he (Ramotar) has placed in me to become an advisor,” Burrowes said soberly.
He said that he was looking forward to working with President Ramotar in areas relating government financial management with an emphasis on donors, putting together a document with the private investors and government agencies, while giving advice on other matters.
Asked about the state of his health and the fact that many felt that his plate was full, Burrowes said that he is excellent at multitasking and understands the task of providing quality leadership and management expertise in the various areas that he is asked to serve.