Afro-Guyanese Deputy Chief Medical Officer Karen Boyle Denied Promotion By The PPP/C

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle, has been denied a promotion by the current administration from becoming the nation’s next Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

According to a memo sent by the permanent secretary, Colette Campbell, copied to the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, on October 1, 2020, indicated that Dr. Narine Singh, a junior doctor to Boyle, will instead perform the duties of Chief Medical Officer. 

“Please be advised that effective 1, 2020, Dr. Narine Singh has been identified to perform the duties of Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health; subsequent to Dr. Shamdeo Persaud proceeding on pre-retirement leave. “

Dr. Karen Boyle was the next person in line to become the nation’s next CMO. However, officials from the medical team were taken back by this recent revelation and many questions have yet to be unanswered as to why Boyle was overlooked by the PPP/C administration. Dr. Boyle has a Masters in Public Health from Columbia University and a Doctorate from the University of the West Indies. She was well qualified in her field and would have been an ideal fit to lead the medical unit in Guyana. 

Boyle has become another afro-Guyanese that has been disregarded by the current administration due to her skin colour. This news has shocked the medical team, and this move solidifies the PPP/C’s intentions to remove many Afro-Guyanese professionals from senior positions within the country.  Boyle has now become a part of a growing list of Afro-Guyanese who were demoted, sent on leave, or dismissed without warning. 

Most recently, the PAHO/WHO awarded her with a prestigious award for her outstanding contribution to the public health unit which adds to the PPC/C’s blatant mindset.