Region 8 REO should be commended for his efforts

Jan 10, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
I humbly crave your permission to have some space in your newspaper as I firmly believe that the efforts of the Region 8, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Rafel Downes needs the highest commendation.
I sought to highlight the good that he continues to do in what many have regarded as the most challenging administrative region in Guyana. Downes who evidently has some short comings continues to do a splendid job at executing his mandate as the accounting officer for the people of Region 8 thus generating significant admiration and best wishes.
The REO continues to keep abreast with the many challenges faced by residents within his region thus he has implemented a number of aggressive avenues to confront these challenges. His continued efforts in implementing a number of creative and innovative changes to the region will certainly bring about relief, as he works to ensure that residents in both subsection one and two are less adversely affected by the increased challenges and difficulties over the past few years.
Despite Region 8 being a gold and diamond mining community it is evident that with the drop in gold and diamond prices and the fact that there continues to be a rise in unemployment, there is an urgent need for more projects and programmes geared particularly at bringing about economic relief.
As such, the economic situation of many is vulnerable thus resulting in increased social ills and challenges. Therefore, the efforts by REO Downes should be highly commended as he has and continues to do a remarkable job.
While the region’s main source of economic development comes from Gold and Diamonds, it is important to note that they are highly susceptible to adverse weather conditions and fluctuations in prices. Therefore, increases in prices for these will tend to lead to increase earnings aided with investments made by other individuals in a number of areas.
As such, with a number of new innovative measures being implemented by the REO it is evident that the residents of Region 8 will certainly see an economic boost with his continued efforts and should be highly praised for his tireless contributions. Among some of the measures implemented were,
New doctor’s quarters built in PK; Rice Planting at Monkey Mountain; assistance to a number of new and small contractors thus allowing them to benefit from a number of projects within the region; economic assistance to a number of single parents whose children are attending PK and Madhia Secondary Schools; the establishment of a review committee to address a number of issues facing residents; along with the setting up of a committee to address social ills facing especially women and youths within the region with the view of finding jobs and training for persons.
These are just some of the many initiatives that were implemented by the REO which frankly puts him ahead of many of the other REO’s in Guyana.
Therefore, the Minister of Communities, the Hon. Ronald Bulkan along with his Permanent Secretary Emil McGarrel should also take their hats off for ensuring the appointment of Rafel Downes. It’s my sincere wish that the Ministry will recognise his efforts while using it as a module so that other regions can emulate his brave and hardworking efforts.
In closing I would like to publicly thank Mr. Downes for his sterling contributions thus far to uplifting Region 8; his approach in putting political affiliation aside and focusing on development instead of politics is highly commendable.
It’s no secret that there is still much more work that needs to be done while the REO certainly is doing his best which is an indication that he is sincere and determined in his efforts to be a servant to the people of Region 8. I join with others in thanking him for his service and to wish him continued success in the face of evident adversity.
Marilyn De Costa

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News