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Region 5 is moving up but…
Dear Editor, ·
Reference is made to the editorial entitled “Problems continue in Region 5” published in Kaieteur News’ October 1, 2018 edition which referenced an “imbroglio” between the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr. Ovid Morrison and the Regional Chairman of Mahaica/Berbice region, Mr. Vickchand Ramphal, and which further cites “arbitrary actions and confrontational approach” by the REO.
Editor, much clarification is needed in keeping with the principles of natural justice and the ‘right of reply’ underscored as a fundamental tenet of journalism.
Previous attempts of REO Morrison to have responses published in the Kaieteur News daily newspaper have borne no fruit.
Firstly, this “imbroglio” in Mahaica/Berbice region existed long before the REO was appointed to the office of REO.
In 2016, President David Granger called on regional officials to “let bygones be bygones” and advance the development of the region, following efforts by the REO to break the deadlock.
The REO, again, had cause to intervene and ease an impasse between Chairman Ramphal and the APNU/AFC councillors which followed an allegation made against the Chairman that he had made insulting remarks to a member of staff.
An apology from the Chairman was demanded but, unfortunately, no apology was forthcoming which led to a three-month tension among those involved.
Chairman Ramphal eventually sought the assistance of REO Morrison who successfully broke the impasse upon appeal to the regional councillors.
In a third instance, a regional councillor alleged that government-owned machinery intended for the regional administration to carry out its drainage and desilting operations was being used by some councillors and supporters of the PPP/C to carry out works on privately-owned lands.
REO Morrison investigated this complaint and found it to be true.
The Regional Chairman, however, rejected the complaint by the councillor, as well as the confirmation of same through REO’s investigation.
The Chairman noted he would, himself, investigate the allegation.
Regional councillors have accused Chairman Ramphal of bias in the matter.
Chairman Ramphal eventually met with the REO and admitted that he had not carried out any investigation and further sought the intervention of REO Morrison in restoring the spirit of cordiality which was, again, successful.
The most recent impasse occurred after the Regional Chairman could not persuade the APNU/AFC councillors to agree with one of his positions at a recent RDC meeting.
Chairman Ramphal eventually departed without formally adjourning the meeting. The PPP/C councillors all followed behind him.
The APNU/AFC councillors who remained within the meeting approached REO Morrison as Clerk of Council and sought advice on the way forward given the walk-out.
The REO advised that in keeping with provisions of the Local Democratic Organs Act Cap28:09, the six of them constituted a quorum and could proceed to nominate a chairman to continue said meeting, which they did.
It should finally be noted that as it relates to lands at Bath Settlement and Naarstigheid, as mentioned in the editorial in question, those lands were earmarked for the regionally-beneficial Development of Regional Economic Crop and Land Utilisation Project.
This project, which acknowledges changing climatic conditions, is aimed at promoting adaptable land management techniques for increased agricultural output within Guyana’s largest agro-producing region.
Upon investigation of the land intended to be used for said project, REO Morrison discovered farmers squatting on the land.
Kaieteur News’s editorial incorrectly claimed 50 farmers were found to be squatting. After the investigation had concluded, those farmers found to be in actual occupation of the land were granted discretional one-year leases to continue only cash crop farming in a regularized system, due to the fact that they have no alternative sources of income.
Finally, Editor, please note that in any system there will be both personality and structural conflicts, but the true test of effectiveness is how those conflicts are managed to maintain the highest level of productivity.
Mahaica/Berbice region is on a steady upward trajectory to social and economic development and what is required is a focus on people’s welfare and not partisan squabbling.
Sandie Ross
Information Officer
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