The business of Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice) came to an abrupt halt for the sixteenth consecutive month after Regional Executive Officer (REO), Ovid Morrison led a walkout of the Regional Democratic Council’s meeting on Thursday.
Morrison’s walkout stemmed from Regional Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal asking two controversial Councillors to leave the horseshoe table while their legality was being discussed. However, the Chairman’s request was met with pushback from the coalition Government’s Councillors.
In April, Morrison swore in three persons as Councillors unbeknown to the Chairman and the full Council. Ever since, there have been issues at every statutory meeting in relation to the legality of the Councillors which ultimately led to walkouts by Government Councillors and the REO.
Over the past three years, only a few successful monthly meetings were held. At Thursday’s meeting, two of the three persons were present and Ramphal asked for them to excuse themselves so that the issue of their legality could be discussed.
They did not move and following a brief debate on the issue, Morrison led the walkout even as Ramphal sought to ensure that the RDC could have a meaningful meeting.
“The deputy Regional Executive Officer, who is the second after the REO, please come and perform the functions as Clerk… Well there we have it; all the officers are now leaving the boardroom and walking out of the meeting. Here we are again for another month in the year we cannot have a successful statutory meeting. Is very clear of what transpired. Councillors, at this point in time I have no other option what’s adjourn this meeting since the Clerk of Council would have vacated without permission, so we cannot proceed. Again, Region Five is being held hostage by the Clerk of Council, who is the Regional Executive Officer,” Ramphal said.
Following that, the Chairman held a press conference at his office where he told reporters that it was unfortunate that the region found itself in the position which is resulting in no representation for residents. He explained that when the REO refuses to sit at the meetings, the entire region is set back.
“Because we cannot address too many problems affecting people within the region. There are many issues affecting the region especially the farmers of Region Five. Currently, many of the farm to market roads are in a deplorable state. Many of the drainage and irrigation structures are also in a deplorable state, heavily clogged with weed and silt, and we cannot effectively address all of these situations because of one man hijacking the entire Council,” he noted.
Ramphal said all citizens of the region are being affected by the REO’s actions. Ramphal noted that for the year, the RDC has not been able to have a successful meeting. This, he said, is because the Clerk of Council, who is the Regional Executive Officer, continues to disrespect the Council and the people of Region Five.
