Region 10 Councillors, elections are over; it is time to develop the region

Dear Editor,
On Monday, September 28, 2020, Councillors of the Ninth Regional Democratic Council (RDC) were sworn in, and the ninth Regional Chairman of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Daron Adams, was elected, while Douglas Gittens was elected the region’s vice-chairman.
Adams and Gittens are also among the 18 new and re-elected councillors who will occupy the Ninth Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 10.
In his maiden speech as chairman, Adams committed to working tirelessly to effectively lead the region’s mission and to strengthen and secure its future in the best interest of its people.
Adams plans to nurture and develop respectful relationships with officials of the political spectrum, public and private sectors.
The Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, who congratulated the newly-elected members of the Region 10 RDC on gaining their new positions, reminded the newly-elected councillors that they are now representatives of the people of Region 10, and not representatives of political parties; and, as such, they should work together to deliver goods and services needed by the residents of Region 10.
Minister Edghill told all present that President Infaan Ali’s Government is willing and ready to work with the RDC for the development of Region 10 and its people. Region 10’s Regional Chairman and Regional Executive Officer have an opportunity to create history in the region through collaboration and sound communication. Government must now select a Regional Executive Officer (REO) that is not political, but must have the ability to bring the divide together to execute the region’s development agenda and to hold each individual accountable from diverting or delaying those projects and plans in each physical year, regardless of political affiliation.
Our hope is that this Regional Democratic Council’s focus would be to plan, implement and facilitate educational enlightenment and exceptional development programmes, activities and events which would help to accomplish the mission, vision and goals of Region 10, as well as enhance the RDC of Region #10.
As councillors, whether you are a PPP/C, APNU or AFC, you will have many different roles to balance. As the elected representatives, you will engage with residents and groups on a wide range of different issues, and take on an important community leadership role. At the Council, you will contribute to the development of policies and strategies, including budget setting, and you may be involved in scrutinising council decisions or taking decisions on planning.
Councillors, your primary role is to represent your constituencies and the people who live in them. Our councillors provide a bridge between the communities and the RDC, as well as being an advocate for all residents and to keep them informed about the issues that affect the RDC and Region #10
In order to understand and represent local views and priorities, councillors must build strong relationships, encourage residents to make their views known, and engage with them and the RDC. Good communication and engagement are central to being an effective councillor.
As RDC councillors, your residents will expect you to respond to their queries and investigate their concerns, to communicate RDC decisions that affect them, to know their challenges and problems, to know and work with representatives of local organisations, interest groups, youth groups, and businesses, and represent their views at RDC council meetings while leading local campaigns on our behalf.
It is our belief that the diversity of the Region 10 RDC councillors would foster greater unity and co-operation, since residents of Region 10 will have full representation that will strengthen the democratic process, allowing a greater say in the governance of the respective communities.
It will help to build trust among various ethnic groups, where everyone will feel respected, as they would become an integral part of the decision-making process of the RDC.
Councillors you must promote greater accountability. As elected representatives, you are answerable directly to the people in your immediate communities. Region #10 has so many talented and educated citizens, please involve them in building our local communities. And take advantage of the talent that resides in various organisations and youth groups to promote inclusiveness, progress and development in Region #10
Given the history of Region #10, and given the political landscape, let’s prepare and develop visionary leadership skills among the hundreds of residents who will be involved in the consultation and leadership processes of their local communities. You must maximise your strengths, councillors, and ensure that everyone on the team is making a meaningful contribution in representing their communities.
Some individuals may have a strong need for control. Other may have a deep need to be appreciated for their time and service. As councillors, your job is to balance everyone’s needs and keep your sight focused on jobs/works that need to be done to keep Region 10 and communities progressing under the PPP/C Administration.
Elections are over, it is time for development. Councillors, let us all practise good stewardship, getting residents to take responsibility for their physical spaces and surroundings. This includes natural areas, structures and spaces. Stewardship is working together to protect, preserve and take care of your communities. This involves renewing, repairing, rebuilding and constantly reviewing your physical communities to ensure they are healthy, strong and well-maintained.
Let us all think forward. There is a saying in some communities about thinking five generation ahead. Let’s not think for today only, or even tomorrow, but be able to make wise decisions that would still benefit the residents long after this current council is dissolved.
Residents, your future, our future, young and old, depends on the effectiveness of this RDC to get the job done. Let us give them our support and work together as a team for development of Region #10, as our councillors address and correct the issues that are affecting our daily lives. We must ensure that consultation is always a transparent process with our councillors.
Lindeners, councillors: our PPP/C Government is ready to enrich the lives of Region 10 residents and every Guyanese. We must be a part of this development process.

Sincerely,
David Adams