MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development Mr. Kellawan Lall said yesterday that he will have to meet with Chairman of Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) Mr. Clement Corlette and have a serious talk with him in view of serious breaches he carried out.

Minister Kellawan Lall addressing yesterday’s meeting.

The Minister made these remarks at a meeting that was requested by Councillors of Region Four to deal with certain “disturbing” developments in the Region.

Minister Lall said Mr. Corlette accused him and his Ministry of certain electoral matters pertaining to the Soesdyke Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

However, he pointed out that though Corlette went about accusing him of “bull rushing,” and seemed to have had an ulterior motive in doing so, he was advised that everything is in order with that RDC.

Minister Lall, who assured that he was sticking strictly to the laws, said there seems to be some misunderstanding by Corlette of his role as Chairman. The Minister said he previously made it clear that there should be no overriding of responsibilities.

However, he observed that Corlette has overridden procurement rules and regulations and also wants to override the duties of the Regional Executive Officer (REO).

Minister Lall also stated that various amounts of money are being spent outside of the laws governing Corlette, and certain actions are not being preceded by normal tendering processes.

He said Corlette is supposed to spend money in accordance with the Procurement Act, but this is something that he seemingly does not want to accept.

The Minister said he hopes Corlette is acting in ignorance and with no political motive.

According to Minister Lall, though Corlette is a member of the People’s National Congress (PNC), which has the majority of supporters in Region Four, he is still obligated to carry out works for central Government.

He urged those councillors present to remain focused and not allow themselves to be enmeshed by the schemes of the Chairman and others.

Press and Publicity Officer at Office of the President, Mr. Kwame McCoy, said Corlette has not worked in the interest of cooperation to bring relief to Region Four.

He said Corlette attempted to operate a bank account in defiance of certain laws he is supposed to work with as well as to acquire things that are not in accordance with the Procurement Act.

He said he hopes this meeting with the Minister will bring solutions to these issues and would also serve to change Corlette’s attitude as Chairman.

Minister Lall observed that there are two other regions that are controlled by the PNC, and these are functioning well, with officials working along with the government.

He however observed that something seems to be amiss in Region Four and assured that he will get to the bottom of it so that services to people in the region would not be compromised.