Underperforming regional officials will be removed – Housing Minister warns

Housing Minister Collin Croal has endorsed President Dr Irfaan Ali’s public service reforms, warning that officials who fail to perform their duties effectively will be removed from the system. He made the remarks while addressing residents of Barimanobo, Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini), stressing that stronger performance from regional officers is critical to deliver the quality of development envisioned for the area.
The minister pointed out that while there has been growth and development, current services and infrastructure are still insufficient. He emphasized that government cannot operate effectively from the top alone if regional officials fail to execute their duties with care and commitment.

“There are a lot more things that has to happen, and the human resource that we have in the system has to also function…a more efficient and effective public service is high on his priority,” Croal said.
He recalled that just two days into the year, on January 2, regional officials across all 10 administrative regions met with Local Government Minister, Priya Manickchand, to discuss public service performance and accountability. He stressed that officers must treat the public with respect and act efficiently.
“If the officers who are there to implement do not do this in a caring way too, because sometimes they push citizens around, only this morning I got really upset, I went to listen when people are sitting and waiting to be dealt with for hours, and then those hours turn to weeks… let people know the situation from upfront,” he warned.
Croal further noted that the same standards of efficiency and accountability apply to remote hinterland regions. He emphasized that residents in these areas deserve the same opportunities as those on the coast.
“No longer must we speak about the hinterland like if it is a lazy fair atmosphere. When it comes…Because the people within the Backdam aspire for the same thing that the people on the coastland aspire for, they are humans too. And so we have to evolve and respond in a similar manner.”
The minister also discussed new transport initiatives aimed at improving regional connectivity and boosting economic activity. He noted that the government has introduced new ferry services for the North West District, although the arrival of one ferry was delayed due to storm activity. More services are expected within the next month or two, which will also provide opportunities for smaller operators in the sector.
“Very shortly, within a month, we should have the other ferry. It was supposed to arrive by now, but there was some storm activity along the way. One ferry—the new one for Essequibo—has been built and is complete. It’s already sailing, the same company that built the one for Essequibo. So let’s say give it a month or two, and we’ll have another ferry added to the North West District. This is intended not just to expand capacity, but also to ensure the service is not dominated by a few,” Croal said.