– Credits Minister McCoy for seeing something “special” in her
– Inspired by the Prime Minister’s Humble and Visionary Leadership
Driven by a deep desire to make a positive impact on society, Melissa Gordon never imagined that a girl from North Ruimveldt, a community in South Georgetown, would one day be working closely with the Prime Minister of Guyana, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips.
Crediting her parents, Tessa and Andrew Gordon, for instilling in her a high regard for education while ensuring she was loved and encouraged to always strive for her best, Ms. Gordon explained to The El Dorado Beacon that growing up with four amazing brothers and her sister helped her understand the importance of having a strong foundation in life.
Ms. Gordon said, “I am grateful for both my parents and my wonderful brothers and sister, whom I love dearly, she stated.
“It was because of their love and support that I am who I am today, humble, grounded, and kind. To my mother, you’re the best. I love you for always being there for me whenever I need you and giving a listening ear with understanding and not judgement.”
Although Ms. Gordon explained that she had the support of her family to rely on, she took a moment to express her gratitude to the teachers of St. Agnes Nursery, St. Agnes Primary, and North Ruimveldt Multilateral School.
According to her, the academic journey would not have been as successful without the invaluable contributions of the dedicated educators who played a pivotal role in shaping her life.
Noting that she was young and immature at the time but has no regrets about having her daughter, Ms. Gordon shared that she became a young mother to her intelligent and beautiful daughter, Ms. Atonyia Bourne, shortly after graduating from secondary school in 2012.
According to her, although her relationship with her daughter’s father did not last, she expressed gratitude that they have remained friends and continue to co-parent effectively for the benefit of their child.
“As parents, you must put your children first. Their happiness is what matters most above any pain, hurt, and anger. In my situation, I always knew that I wanted my daughter to have a better life than I had before.
Realising that it takes a lot of maturity from both of us, that is what gave me the driving force to work alongside her father on the importance of prioritising our daughter’s health, happiness, and needs.
I also want my daughter to know that everything that I do, I do it for her and her happiness,” Ms. Gordon explained.
Special recognition to her late father
With vivid memories of her father picking her up and dancing with her as a child, collecting her from school, taking her to the seawall, going on long drives, or simply buying ice cream, Ms. Gordon shared that she wished he were still around to see her achieve her goals and succeed in life.
“I cannot tell you how hard it is not having my father here; he rooted for me the most, and he also believed in me. I wish that I could tell him that he wasn’t just a good father; he was a great one.
Ms. Gordon also shared that although remembering him is always difficult, it is even harder knowing he never got the chance to meet his granddaughter.
“I know how I feel about my dad, but if he were here, he and his granddaughter would have been even closer; I just know it,” Gordon shared.
Gratitude to Minister McCoy
Despite being a young single mother, Ms. Gordon explained that it did not deter her from pursuing a professional career; instead, it strengthened her determination to be independent and a model example for her daughter to emulate as she grows.
Recognising that she had no prior work experience and came from a community that was often marginalised, Ms. Gordon expressed her deep desire to be employed so that she could fulfil her dreams and goals for herself and her daughter.
Ms. Gordon said, “I will always remember September 1, 2014; it is the day that I started my first job. I don’t believe that I would be here today if it weren’t for the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, who was the liaison to the president at that time.
He gave me the opportunity to work as a transcriptionist/media officer for a little over a year before the government changed, and I would like to say, thank you, Minister McCoy, for seeing something special in me.”
Road to working with the Prime Minister of Guyana
Ms. Gordon also stated that she worked under the David Granger administration for five years, serving as a media officer and handling presidential research, transcription, social media, and various other tasks as needed.
However, in 2020, after President Ali and his administration assumed office, Ms. Gordon noted that her working environment improved. At the time, she was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications at the University of Guyana (UG).
Having recently completed her diploma in the same field, Ms. Gordon shared that she was subsequently given the opportunity to work for the Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips.
Adding that her journey with the Prime Minister began in the role of communication officer, Ms. Gordon shared that she was still officially attached to the Office of the President, working through its press unit.
Ms. Gordon also explained that she later advanced to the position of Senior Communication Officer, assuming greater responsibility for communications within the Office of the Prime Minister.
In October 2024, Ms. Gordon officially transitioned to the Office of the Prime Minister, having managed public relations and media coverage for the Prime Minister. Following her transition, she now serves as the technical officer to the Prime Minister, with responsibility for communications.
According to her, “It has been a journey for me, but I have gained experience, and I am loving every moment of it. It is a profound honour to be working so closely with the Prime Minister, but also for such a professional.
He is a true leader in every sense. I witness the work being done daily, both visibly and behind the scenes, and have a front-row seat to his interactions with the people as he works alongside President Ali and the administration to move our nation forward.
The Prime Minister is a humble, dedicated, and approachable individual who understands the task at hand. I am looking and looking and learning, but I am proud to say that he is the type of leader that I aspire to be.”
Challenging but close-knit neighbourhood
Reflecting on the history of North Ruimveldt, Ms. Gordon noted that although it was a somewhat rough area to live in, the residents shared a strong sense of community, often saying, “South people know South people,” meaning that they looked out for each other.
Ms. Gordon said, “For some reason, South has been notorious for underdevelopment. There were a lot of things that I saw and experienced as a child growing up in the neighbourhood, and I thought someone in authority could have done something to help make the lives of people better, but nothing was done.”
Unlike in the past, Ms. Gordon expressed her satisfaction with the ongoing infrastructural development in the community as well as the investments being made in the education sector.
“Everything will not happen overnight, but I must say that under this government, the transformation is showing, and I am proud of that.
I am proud to know that work is being done to enhance the community in which I grew up so that my daughter and other children will have a better neighbourhood in the future,” Ms. Gordon said.
Message to young people
Finally, in a special message to the young people of North Ruimveldt, surrounding communities, and communities across Guyana, Ms. Gordon encouraged them to dare to be different and rise above their circumstances.
According to her, “Life is never going to be easy all the time, but do not give up hope. I can tell you from experience: keep trying; someone will give you a start, and when you get there, make your way to where you want to go.
Do not let anyone tell you that you don’t need to work or you cannot make it. I say to you, show up, be disciplined, and take pride in what you do.”
