…promises to bring efficiency, competence to the post
The Alliance For Change’s Dr Veerasammy Ramayya, having resigned, has been replaced by Regional Democratic Councillor No 6 Kim Williams-Stephen, as Regional Executive Officer (REO) who has since vowed to bring a high level of efficiency, knowledge and competence to the post.
Dr Ramayya recently resigned from the post, as well as the party that sponsored him saying that the AFC has not lived up to its founding principles and has since turned a blind eye to corruption.
The former AFC Executive, in tendering his resignation, said his contributions and investments in the party did not resonate deeply. He said too his contributions over the past six years to the party have instead benefited others, adding “I have no remorse in exiting the party.”
According to Dr Ramayya, the party has failed to deliver on its promises and pointed out that the party which politicised the issue of corruption in the 2015 campaign has instead turned a blind eye.
The party’s former Executive Member, who had been credited with helping the AFC secure two parliamentary seats representing Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), has also lamented the fact that the party is yet to repay him $15 million.
Meanwhile his replacement, Williams-Stephen’s is said to have 30 years of experience in the public service, 28 of which was spent at the Audit Office of Guyana in the capacity of Audit Manager (ag) for Regions Five and Six.
She is said to possess a wealth of knowledge in the area of regional auditing, having also audited for Regions Five, Seven and Nine.
Williams-Stephen started work as a typist clerk at the very Region Six RDC in 1986 and was subsequently transferred to the Audit Office in 1988.
The new REO is a strong advocate for good governance, transparency and accountability and is also a firm believer in quality service to others.
“It’s an honour and privilege for me to have been given the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I gave the praises and thanks to God Almighty because without him this would not have been possible,” the REO stated.
Williams-Stephen noted that her main functions as REO would include the provision of service to the community in the areas of health, agriculture, infrastructure and education, and to ensure that resources are expended for the intended purpose.
“My aim would be to ensure that these essential community services are delivered in a cost-effective manner bearing in mind that quality is the most important factor,” the REO explained. While recognising the fact that the human resource capacity of any organisation is its most valuable asset, Williams-Stephen said it is imperative that the dedication of all levels of staff is acknowledged and appreciated.
This, she said, will provide the requisite motivation needed to complete the delegated tasks.
With overseas training in performance management, Williams-Stephen said her intention will be to ensure that each staff has a thorough understanding of their importance to the collective goal and is aware of their individual roles and responsibilities.
“Each person must know that they have a vital role to play. We need to first understand that we are working for a common good and so we have to put our political differences aside. The main objective is to ensure that when we provide a service it must be done to the best of our ability,” she pointed out.
Williams-Stephen related that she will also strive to build on the strengths of the council and create awareness that the provision of service must be undertaken for the sole purpose of improving the livelihood of those in the community.
“Our service must come from a place of humanitarianism. We must not have the attitude that whether we perform or not we will still be paid at the end of the month.”
A wife and mother of four; ranging in ages between 15 and 23, Williams-Stephen has also ventured into the arena of teaching having served as part-time lecturer at the Berbice High School.
She is also a local preacher at the Central Methodist Church.
“I came from humble beginning and I always believe in the biblical principle that those who humble themselves shall be exalted,” Williams-Stephen said.
Williams-Stephen’s appointment is in keeping with government’s thrust to utilise persons from the available human resource pool with the adequate knowledge base to ensure the effective delivery of services.
