THE concerns identified as the basis for the no-confidence motion that was passed against Region 8 Executive Officer Ronald Harsawack by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), were inconsistent with the mandate of the council, Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud submitted in the National Assembly in reply to questions laid by APNU Member of Parliament Ronald Bulkan as to the actions being taken in relation to the issue.

The minister said as a consequence of the ministry’s analysis and findings on the basis of the motion, discussions were held with the Region 8 Chairman.
On July 10, 2012, the Region 8 RDC moved a no-confidence motion against Harsawack on the basis of non-cooperation, impeding development of the region, and other issues inclusive of his refusal to share resources and inadequate communication with the council. The motion was approved by a majority of councillors, during a routine bi-monthly meeting of the RDC.
Since then, Minister Persaud has maintained that while the RDC in itself can express dissatisfaction with the performance of any employee, they need to support their discontent with evidence based on documentation, so that the administration and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development can seek to intervene, investigate and make a determination.
Minister Persaud has always pointed to the fact that in this particular case, there was no documented evidence regarding the number of allegations which sought to inform the no-confidence motion. He had said that much of the information which exists differ from that which is in the public domain.
In his response, Minister Persaud explained that the REO and the Chairman of the Regional Tender Board are responsible for the procurement of goods and services required for the administration of the region, and that the REO, as the accounting officer, does not need explicit approval of the council for each and every act of procurement of goods and services by the administration.