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Region Two mayor, REO put differences aside for development
Decades of political friction in Region Two, may finally come to an end as members of both the Opposition and Government on Thursday last, agreed to work in the interest of the Region’s citizens. 
The Region’s REO, Rupert Hopkinson who supports the APNU/AFC government, met with Mayor of the Anna Regina Town Council, Rabindranauth Mohan, supporter of the PPP.
Region Two which ranges from as far as Supenaam to the Pomeroon, consists predominantly of the PPP/C supporters.
The meeting was convened by Mr. Hopkinson as the two officials sought to settle their differences in the decision-making process.
Earlier last month, Mr. Hopkinson made a decision to fill a main drainage trench within the vicinity of Cotton Field. The decision stirred up intense friction between the REO and the Mayor, resulting in at least one picketing exercise.
The discussion was fruitful, however, as all parties agreed that a consultative approach is the only way forward in the Region’s Development.
Mr. Mohan, speaking with Kaieteur News after the meeting, said that he and the REO came to a common understanding. When asked what that common understanding was, Mr. Mohan replied: “We both agreed that there needs to be a more consultative approach in the way we do things.”
“In my opinion the project is not a bad thing, but alternative measures must be put in place. Had he consulted with us first, I would’ve indicated to him that he make a concrete drain in the centre and even put a manhole, then he could’ve made his benches. The REO said he understands that that could’ve been done. Because of poor consultation he hadn’t the technical skills and the understanding of what needed to be done.”
Mr. Mohan said that there is another outlet which irrigates the area, this he noted however, is inadequate, since it is nothing but a small tube.
“That pipe doesn’t have a door, so when the water is high in the main canal, it goes into that tube and comes into the area. I told the REO that the alternative now is that he construct a 3×3 concrete structure, with a door where the pipe is. He said yes he understands, and that it can be done, promising to look into it.”
The REO’s decision to fill the trench was earlier scrutinized by Mr. Mohan and Regional Chairman, Mr. Devenand Ramnauth, since neither of them was consulted before the project’s implementation.
Hopkinson told Kaieteur News that he understands their scrutiny, as both of them were poorly informed. The REO reflected that had the Mayor and Chairman been informed earlier, they may have been able to arrive at an unanimous decision on the issue earlier. Mr. Hopkinson explained that he failed to consult the Municipality because for years, the Regional Administration would implement works without their consent.
Mr. Hopkinson further noted, “Executing projects within the municipality without consulting the Town Council, has for years been the custom and practice of the Regional Administration, this is a system that we had inherited.”
Hopkinson added, “This is not the first time we’ve had a project in a NDC area or a municipality. This is a government-sponsored project, this is a project in which permission was first sought from Ministry of Finance. Money from the Region’s saving was subsequently allocated to do this work. I didn’t consult with them because it is customary when we do a project we don’t tell them.”
All parties noted that this is a custom that will change, as they all agreed to make consultation a priority in future. [Romario Blair]
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