Dear Editor,
Too often WE ALL missed the OPPORTUNITY to RECOGNIZE an Outstanding Person, whilst HE or SHE is Alive. I have known for over 60 YEARS wish to recognize “Haji Masud Norman G McLean (Major-General Retd) MSM.” Visionary, Distinguished and Transformative Services to Guyana.
As former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defense Force, he upheld the Highest Standards of Military Professionalism and Nation-building. In civilian life, his Stewardship as President of the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association, both in the 1990s and 2015–2016, revitalized private sector advocacy and advanced strategic planning to meet the evolving needs of Guyanese enterprises.
His subsequent service as Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcast Authority’s Monitoring Committee strengthened media governance and public accountability, while his expertise in operations management and human resource development contributed to Guyana’s mining and industrial sectors through roles with Omai Gold Mines, ETK Sand Springs, and Bosai Bauxite.
Guyana National Service (GNS): McLean was second-in-command, then Director-General 1974–1979. The Guyana National Service (GNS) was formed in 1973 and was disbanded in 2000. It was created as a 1,500-person paramilitary force to mobilize Guyanese YOUTH through 3 MONTHS of MILITARY TRAINING followed by AGRICULTURAL TRAINING. Over its run, more than 20,000 people passed through.
IF GNS was continuing Guyana will have THOUSANDS of Trained, Skilled, and Disciplined Guyanese for Services at the Borders, Defense Force, Police, Businesses, Entrepreneurship and Social Services Enterprises.
National YOUTH program: He was responsible for design, planning and implementation of the national youth program, aimed at DEVELOPING TALENTS of YOUNG PEOPLE for a “MORALLY EFFICIENCY NATION.”
He managed the design and implementation of the NATIONAL YOUTH PROGRAM focused on developing young people’s talents. Post-military boards: Chaired GMSA and GNBA Monitoring Committee, BOTH tied to Skills, industry Standards, and Workforce Development.
A SOLDIER, STATESMAN, and SERVANT of the PEOPLE, Major General McLean’s enduring LEGACY of DISCIPLINE, INTEGRITY AND NATION-FIRST SERVICE continues to INSPIRE Guyana’s Progress.
Be Assured of My Highest Consideration.