Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall has dismissed as unfounded claims by Regional Chairman Clement Corlette that he had exceeded his jurisdiction in sending an overseer on involuntary vacation. Speaking at a press conference to address several issues on Thursday, Minister Lall explained that having delegated authority to the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) was not an indication that the ministry is divested of all such powers.

Corlette claimed that any decision to demand that a council employee proceed on annual leave is within the sole purview of the Regional Administration.

However, Minister Lall countered that the Local Government Minister still has residual powers in a case where the RDC neglects to act or where a matter is brought to his attention.

He noted that the RDC is not an autonomous organisation and has a mandate to carry out the functions of the government.

“As Administrator of the Regional Government with an opposition majority, Mr Corlette is more obsessed with power than carrying out the duties of the RDC, ” he said.

The Minister added that the Regional Chairman must share the blame for any malfunctioning or mismanagement within the council he governs.

Minister Lall has ordered that the overseer at the Eccles/Ramsburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council be sent on a month’s no-pay leave while a decision is being made on whether he should be dismissed.

The overseer was named as a party to a plan to dispose of a playground by way of sale in the Republic Park community. (GINA)