Dear Editor,

PLEASE allow us, a number of residents of Mahdia, Kato and Kopinang, to voice our pleasure and satisfaction with the numerous positives that continue to grace us through the evident hard and diligent work of our Region’s REO, Mr. Rafel Downes. While this man has served in both administrations of the PPP/C and APNU/AFC as REO, there is one thing that is evident about his leadership: getting the work done is his primary objective.

While the country takes time to celebrate its Jubilee anniversary, it is important to note that we, the residents of Region 8, equally have a lot to celebrate. While we must confess that we are not very knowledgeable of the performances of the REOs in several other regions, we are cognizant of the fact that having a REO like ours — who is easily accessible, takes time to meet residents and others, executes programmes, and runs the affairs of the RDC in a very professional manner, thus eliminating politics from the day-to-day running, which in the past has seen our region deteriorate to an all-time low — he should be commended for his sterling contributions and efforts thus far.

There were instances under the previous administration when getting things done within the RDC was very challenging and constituted a complete headache, as officers and staff moved in a lackadaisical manner, and practically enjoyed life on the road while they were expected to be in their offices. Any favours were done through the awarding of contracts, employment was done via the political connection route, while victimization and discrimination were certain for those within the Region’s administration and for members of the public who dared to voice their disapproval and/or objection to the many ills taking place.

As such, we are breathing continued sighs of relief with the enormous efforts of this hardworking REO. Further, while we are still cognizant of some ‘rotten eggs’ that continue to plague the system through their presence and employment, we are satisfied that efforts are genuinely being made to ensure that projects and programmes are executed within the region at the highest professional standard. Government business is being administered in a professional manner, eliminating the dirty politics that once plagued the RDC; and while a review of the National Budget will confirm that Region 8 has been granted the smallest budget, it must be understood that this is the most difficult region for anyone to traverse. Accessing the two subsections of the region, Madhia and Kato, require air travel, while a number of communities cannot be accessed via land, and as such, it puts evident strain financially and administratively on the Region’s administrators in getting around, thus challenging their effectiveness in the execution of their duties.

However, despite these and many other challenges, it is heartwarming to see the REO, backed by his Deputy, Gavin Gounga, visiting a number of communities in an effort to reach out to the people while ensuring that works and programmes are completed.

We would like to add, further, that praising the REO for what we are so far seeing as his diligence, perseverance and commitment to the region is by no means an indication that there are no problems and challenges that need to be addressed. However, it’s an indication that he continues to work very hard, and hopefully, with this manner of operation and aggression in getting things done, he will continue to receive the support of the right individuals around him.

It is evident that, based on the media reports on a number of issues, many REOs are campaigning and working in a political manner, thus resulting in many regions expressing their frustration and disgust over the performance or non-performance of their REOs. However, while we have our own share of problems in Region 8, we are satisfied that it has nothing to do with the problems that some of the other regions are faced with.

We therefore would like to publicly express our appreciation and continued support for REO Downes, as we firmly believe that he is a man who is bent on achieving results, thus he is determined, dedicated, committed and, most importantly, disciplined.

The Honourable Minister of Communities, Mr. Ronald Bulkan, should take note of the work and performance of this REO, as I am sure that should his performance be emulated and/or replicated in other regions, getting things done administratively would not be as stagnant and/or stalled as the residents of many regions continue to express.

Mr. Editor, we therefore would like to express to REO Rafel Downes that he certainly deserves a pat on his shoulder.
Regards,

CLAIRE EDWARDS,
PATRICK MARKS
SHERLOCK JUPITER
ANDY THOMAS
PHYLLIS JONES
COLEEN THUKNAUTH
SHERWIN HINDS
PATRICIA JOSIAH
ANTHONY ETWAROO
MICHELLE BENJAMIN
ERLENE HUNTE
LYDIA JACK
RACHEAL SMITH
ANNETTE
MICHAEL SINGH