Dear Editor
There is definitely a sinister motive by sections to discredit the soundness of Mr. Hopkinson’s approach to professionalism in managing the administration of Region 2. With Local Government elections due in 2018, individuals among certain parties are seeking to gain mileage as a means of promoting their own agendas; hence the calculated attack on the REO is no coincidence.
Mr. Hopkinson’s leadership has exceeded the ideals of a Region that has long been plagued by political manipulation. Previous managers were compelled in many instances to act in contravention of the public service rules and some of which were oppressive, vindictive, destructive and deliberately unsound. Some policies were implemented previously that sought to stifle upward mobility of staff; others were bypassed for promotions, while the right to freedom of expression had dire consequences in many cases. There were those who were highly favored which severely affected the morale of a wide cross section of staff since their efforts were unrecognizable. Much was left to be desired in the manner in which Region 2 Administration was administered.
However, after assuming office and being highly qualified, Mr. Hopkinson would have taken a uniquely profound approach in managing the resources of the Region. He has consistently withstood political pressure, intimidation and even non-cooperation from certain sections of the Regional Democratic Council which comprise of PPP/C, PNC/R and AFC Councilors. Statutory meetings are often designed to attack Mr. Hopkinson and derail his efforts at stamping out corruption, abuse of state property, sanctioning those with poor work ethic or enhancing the environment as he has been admirably doing and much to the satisfaction of residents.
Why would political charges denounce the creation of community parks that are designed to promote unity, leisure for kids among other social activities? Instead, there is a huge cry that it is a waste of time. What will be of our citizens if they embrace all work and no play? The signs remain very worrying as it relates to suicides and certainly having a space to relax can reduce such indiscretions. The decision to plant trees and beautify the Township was also criticized by the political detractors even in the wake of glowing praises from visitors who have now seen the Region as a serious tourist attraction. This growing trend therefore to protrude negative sentiments will not advance the social and economic development of Region 2. Reference is also made to mounting allegations that the REO is withholding payment to contractors for work done on the Charity road-shoulders in December, 2016. This particular payment would have been refused after it was queried by the Regional Sub-Treasury after it was found to be duplication since monies were paid for the same work previously. Mr. Hopkinson has refused to endorse the payment too since the contract was prepared, signed and pass in his absence. This is only one of many questionable contracts and vouchers that Mr. Hopkinson has refused to endorse given his stance of denouncing corruption. Mr. Hopkinson has been very meticulous and has spent sleepless nights combing them before he affixes his signature. Is that unreasonable to criticize the REO and labeling him incompetent? Instead Mr. Hopkinson has saved this Region millions due to the detection of inflated vouchers and contracts, undocumented and unnecessary spending as well as the lethargic manner in which accountability would have been questioned. In fact in 2016 according to the Regional Accounting Unit’s statistics, the Region saved $147 million and in 2017 to date it is 93 million which seem to cause uneasiness among his detractors.
Certainly it is not business as usual at the office and there has been stern resistance in some quarters to the changes that are being implemented. Region 2 is steadfastly being transformed and this has been due to Mr. Hopkinson’s strategic management approach and his wide and productive engagement with the public. Perhaps the RDC could identify the initiatives that were undertaken by the Council that have positively impacted on the Region in comparison to Hopkinson’s work.
Regards
Elroy Stephney