Region 8 REO should be commended

May 26, 2016 Letters

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Dear Editor,
Please allow us a number of residents of Mahdia, Kato and Kopinang to voice our pleasure and satisfaction with the numerous positives that continues to grace us through the evident hard and diligent work of our Region’s REO Mr. Rafel Downes. While this man has served in both administration of the PPP/C and APNU/AFC as REO there is one thing that is evident about his leadership and that getting the work done is his primary objective.
While the country takes time out to celebrate its jubilee anniversary, it is important to note that we the residents of Region 8 equally have a lot to celebrate about.
While we must confess that we are not very knowledgeable of the performances of the REO’s in several other regions, we are cognizant of the fact that having a REO like ours who is easily accessible, takes time to meet residents and others, executes programmes and runs the affairs of the RDC is a very professional manner thus eliminating politics from the day to day running which in the past has seen our region deteriorated to an all-time low should be commended for his sterling contributions and efforts thus far.
There were instances under the previous administration whereby getting things done within the RDC was very challenging and a complete headache as officers and staff moved in a lackadaisical manner and practically enjoyed life on the road while they were expected to be in their offices, any favours were done through the awarding of contracts, employment was done via the political connection route while victimization and discrimination was certain for those within the Region’s administration and the public who dared to voice their disapproval and/or objection to the many ills taking place.
As such, we are beginning to breathe continued signs of relief with the enormous efforts of this hardworking REO. Further, while we are still cognizant of some ‘rotten eggs’ that continues to plague the system through their continued presence and employment we are satisfied that efforts are genuinely are being made to ensure that projects and programmes are executed within the region at the highest professional standard. Government business are being administered in a professional manner eliminating the dirty politics that once plagued the RDC and while a review of the National Budget will confirm that Region 8 has been granted the smallest budget it must be understood that this is the most difficult region for anyone to travel.
The two subsections of the region Madhia and Kato requires air travel while a number of communities cannot be accessed via land and as such it puts evident strain financially and administratively on the Region administrators in getting around thus being effective in their execution of duties. However despite these and many more challenges its heartwarming to see the REO backed by his Deputy Gavin Gounga visiting a number of communities in an effort to reach out to the people while ensuring that works and programmes are completed.
We would like to add further that praising the REO for what we are so afar seen as his diligence, perseverance and commitment to the region is by no means an indication that there are n problems and challenges that needs to be addressed. However, it’s an indication that he continues to work very hard and hopefully with this manner of operation and aggression in getting things done he will continued supported by the right individuals around him. It is evident that based on the media reports on a number of issues that many REO’s are campaigning and working in a political manner however thus resulting in many regions expressing their frustrations and disgust over their performance or non-performance. However, while we have our own share of problems in Region 8, we are satisfied that it has nothing t do with the problems that some of the other regions are faced with. We therefore would like to publicly express our appreciation and continued support t the performance of Downes as we firmly believe that he is a man who is bent on achieving results thus his determination, dedication, commitment and most importantly discipline.
The Honorable Minister of Communities Mr. Ronald Bulkan should take note of the work and performance of this REO as I am sure that should his performance be emulated and/or replicated in other regions then the smooth flow of getting things done administratively would not be as stagnant and/or stalled as the residents of many regions continues to express.
Mr. Editor we therefore would like to express to REO Rafel Downes that he certainly deserves a pat on his shoulder.
Regards
Claire Edwards,
Patrick Marks
Sherlock Jupiter
Andy Thomas
Phyllis Jones
Coleen Thuknauth
Sherwin Hinds
Patricia Josiah
Anthony Etwaroo
Michelle Benjamin
Erlene Hunte
Lydia Jack
Racheal Smith
Annette
Michael Singh

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