Local Government and Regional Development Minister Kellawan Lall has taken issue with an article in yesterday’s issue of the Stabroek News which stated as a fact that he had received a letter from representatives of the U.S., the U.K. and the EU delegation dealing with local government reform presently being discussed at the Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government.

In a statement issued to the media, Minister Lall observed that the article cited the date of the letter as July 14, 2009, and gives no indication as to the location of these representatives, locally or overseas.

In his statement, Minister Lall said, “I wish to categorically state that as of the afternoon of July 17, 2009, I have received no such letter. I will not comment any further on the matter, but to say that I find it offensive that such important national issues being discussed at the level of our national parliament and a senior representative of the state are being treated in this manner.”