Updated: Three top Region Nine officers sent on leave

Last Updated on Tuesday, 2 June 2015, 17:06 by GxMedia

by Zena Henry

Three top officials of Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) were sent on leave by the new central government that was voted into office at last month’s general and regional elections.

The are the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Claire Singh; Assistant REO Karl Singh and Deputy REO Mohammed Arjoon.

Singh was Monday June 1 sent packing when she received a letter sending her on annual leave from the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communities. 

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan confirmed Tuesday June 2 as he reiterated that those persons not serving in the interest of the people with have to be put aside.

Bulkan explained that Singh was sent on annual leave. He described Singh as somewhat of a Carol Sooba, Acting Town Clerk of Georgetown, who city councilors voted be sent on administrative leave to facilitate a probe.

The Minister pointed out that Singh was placed on the Region 9 Council under the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government and has not been “professional” in the execution of her duties.

He confirmed, too, that in the meantime Carl Parker will be acting REO.

Bulkan had previously confirmed that Karl Singh was also expected to be let go.

Karl Singh was said to be a candidate of the PPP’s regional list. When asked if Singh is aware that he will be sent home Bulkan replied, “he should know that. I mean if you know you violated public rules then you ought to know that.”

The Minister was adamant that persons who have “political agendas and are not serving the people cannot be rewarded.”

He said that he is aware of residents expressing frustration of displeasure in the way the regional body managed the Region 9 location.

The decision to send the REO on leave came less than two weeks after she alleged that activists of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) objected to the transportation of supplies- five black typist chairs, drugs, eight containers and two bags of stationery for schools- to Karasabai, South Pakaraimas.

The REO had said that activist Carlton Beckles claimed that he “spoke with the Minister of Communities Honourable Ronald Bulkan in which he stated all activities in the region should bon hold until further notice and that I should respect the Minister’s instructions,” she has said in a statement.

Singh said she had not recived any instructions from the Minister. Police later released the tractor and trailer which the
departed from Karasabai.