Fraud is rampant in Region Eight

Oct 31, 2012 Letters

Dear Editor,
It is with grave concern that I write this letter. I have been residing in Mahdia for a number of years, going in and out from the community on business. I have been paying tax on my every income with the understanding that the money the Government of Guyana is collecting as Revenue/Tax is money spent for the development of Guyana.
Here is where I do have a problem. I was told that the former Regional Executive Officer (REO) Mr. Ishwar Dass, The Regional Education Officer (REdO), The Regional Accounting Unit (RAU) staff and the Sub-treasury Officer passed a lot of payments for large sum of money for services that were never delivered to the region.
Recently more than $500,000 was approved on behalf of the Education Department for meals supplied to persons who participated in the Mashramani Road March in Georgetown. This money was never delivered to the camp. Where did the taxpayers’ money go? Can some proper investigation be done to answer this question?
This malpractice has been going on for quite some time and has gone undetected by the Auditors. Just think about this. The REdO has been in the region for less than 24 months and has already bought herself a minibus that is working the Number 72 route. An accounts staff has also bought one that is working the same route.
This is the same REdO that was involved in converting monies entrusted to her from the Ministry of Education for the School Feeding Programme in Region Two. These are officers who work side by side along with the Sub-treasury officer.
In the year 2010 a fire of unknown origin destroyed the Mahdia Arcade. Digicel came on hand with $500,000 to assist the victims. This amount was deposited into the Regional account. This said amount was debited to the Account via cheques to various staff members. When this was brought to the attention of the fire victims at that time, Mr. Dass after seeing the News requested thart another $500,000 cheque be written to Mr. Herman to clear up the issue.
Did the auditors came across this transaction? I am calling on the Integrity Commission and the Auditor General Office to wake up and reinforce the laws of this country.I was told that the new REO requested a change of signatories to the Regional account. This list of persons included a number of senior officers. First is the Clerk 2 General who only recently bought himself a bus. Second is the Assistant Accountant who was interdicted in Region Three for fraudulent conversion of Government funds. Surprisingly the witnesses died before her appearance in court.
Then there are payments tendered with fake signature for services in the North Pakaraimas of which senior officers, in that area have no knowledge.
In conclusion I wish to compliment the Minister of Local Government who was in the Region recently. Thank you, sir, for visiting.
George Smartt
Concern Resident

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