Dear Editor,
The three-year contract awarded to retired Deputy Superintendent Jillian Moore-Bowen as Director of Corporate Communications at the Guyana Police Force is a disturbing example of cronyism, waste, and the deliberate sidelining of competence.
Prior to her appointment, the unit was led by Mark Ramotar, a highly competent and experienced professional who effectively managed corporate communications.
Ms. Moore-Bowen prior duties were limited to basic filing, administrative, and assistant tasks.
Despite having zero qualifications whatsoever — no experience, no training, and no expertise in communications, media relations, digital strategy, or public affairs she is now being paid more than $400,000 per month plus benefits, amounting to nearly $5 million over the three-year contract. Her role appears to consist primarily of posting pre-prepared material on TikTok and Facebook.
The actual work of researching, writing, editing, and producing professional releases, including crime releases, is being carried out by existing staff, while someone outside the Force is also being paid separately to prepare these releases.
Taxpayers are therefore paying three times over: once for the capable internal professionals, once for the external preparer, and again for an unqualified retiree to serve as a highly paid figurehead.
This is not merit-based leadership. It is a golden parachute that rewards an insider while displacing competence and misusing public funds. At a time when many Guyanese face economic pressures and public services are under strain, this lavish expenditure on someone with literally nothing to offer is indefensible.
The public deserves full transparency: Who approved and signed this contract? On what basis was it granted to a person with zero qualifications after she reportedly forced out a competent head? Why was no competitive process used?
The Guyana Police Force and the government must provide immediate answers and justification. Failing that, the contract should be reviewed and terminated.
Guyanese citizens have every right to demand accountability and proper use of their tax dollars.