RDCs an important bridge between Govt and citizens – President

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has devastated many communities, President Irfaan Ali has urged newly- elected regional officials to exercise their duties in ensuring that communities return to normalcy and being sustainable.
The Head of State was speaking on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where newly-elected Chairpersons and Vice Chairs of the nine Regional Democratic Councils (RDC) had their Oath of Office administered.
President Ali acknowledged that while the appointments come during arduous times, officials must channel their efforts in leadership that will revive communities, while trying to cushion the impacts of the pandemic.
“You’re assuming office under very trying conditions, not only locally but globally. We’re dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. This by itself requires a special type of leadership. The pandemic does end with a viable vaccine. For us as leaders, our work has been cut out by this pandemic at least for the next three years; returning communities to sustainability, small businesses and sectors that have been tremendously affected as a result of the pandemic,” he explained.
According to Ali, Government is also working to approach to limit the effects. He pointed to the holistic approach in dealing with the fallout of the pandemic, which entails reprogramming US$60 million that will be spent at the community and regional levels to bring relief and normalcy.
The minted officials were reminded that Government is available to lend support to enable development of the regions and its people. President Ali said those at the RDC level are the bridge between the people and Government and as such, all decisions must be in the best interest of the population.
“You have a partner in the Government. You just have to reach out to us and we will be ready to work with you for the betterment of the people and our country as a whole…The RDCs are expected to be that important bridge that represents the interests of all the people in the various regions. That bridge that seeks to improve the lives and conditions under which the people of all the regions live. I want to assure you that the Central Government will provide the necessary support to allow and enable you to facilitate the development and upward movement of the people of our country in every single region,” the new Head of State asserted.
President Ali also provided some insight on the conduct of these office bearers, as he emphasised the need for equality and serving without discrimination. After the elections, he noted, the sole responsibility is serving the population.
“To date, you embark on a journey of leadership, one that all of us has been entrusted with by the people of our country. It is not an easy task but it must be a selfless task. It must be a task that we take seriously. Our Oath of Office and your Oath of Office here today is one in which you would’ve committed yourself to serving the people of your regions without favour or fear, affection or ill will. Although we represent different political parties, in assuming the role of Chair and Vice Chair, your conduct and action has to be for all the people of the regions. The elections are over. You’re now elected to lead and after the elections are over, the task is to serve all the people. This is the core message. Service to all the people of your regions.”
The Regional Chairmen who took the oath are Brentnol Ashley, Region One (Barima-Waini); Vilma Audrey Da Silva, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Mohamed Inshan Ayube, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Daniel Seeram, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Vickchand Ramphal, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Permaul Armogan, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Kenneth Williams, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Bryan Allicock, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and Deron Adams, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
The Regional Vice Chairs included Anasha Peters, Region One; Humace Oudit, Region Two; Omesh Satyanand, Region Three; Samuel Sandy, Region Four; Reon Peters, Region Five; Zamad Housein, Region Six; Nageshwari Lochanprashad, Region Seven; Bertie Xavier, Region Nine and Douglas Gittens, Region 10.
The Regional Chairman and Vice Chair for Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) have not yet been elected.
After the formal ceremony, Guyana Times spoke with the new Region One Chairman, who noted that his administration has many plans in the pipeline. He announced the establishment of the Regional Agriculture Department, road network improvements, enhanced electricity access to new villages among others.
“We will bring development to the people of Region One in the pace in which it should be done and the capacity it should be done. That means that every village across Region One will benefit from the development agenda of the RDC, with support from Central Government,” Ashley pointed out.
Meanwhile, Seeram said he is looking forward to partnerships with the Health Ministry and Local Government Ministry to address the current pandemic. This will revolve specifically around enforcement of the national emergency measures. (G12)