My stewardship as Regional Chairman is an open secret

LET me from the outset point out that the statements circulating, alleging financial impropriety on my part have no basis in fact.It is unfortunate the Region has returned to an era where those who disagree find being disagreeable an appropriate conflict resolution tool.

In my three years as APNU-elect Regional Chairman and member of the PNCR, I have been accused of receiving millions of dollars from the PPP and other sources.

I can say to you this much, my people: With very little resources given to me as Campaign Manager, Region 10 had the best showing for the Coalition at the May 11 Elections in votes, turnout and reducing the PPP numbers. The people of Region 10 have stood tall and have been a formidable force against those who threaten our tranquility and sought to trample our rights. Despite our political diversity on regional matters, we have operated as One Region.
An understanding of how the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) functions would reveal the administrative line of authority is the Regional Executive Officer (REO), who is the RDC’s chief financial officer, and administrator of all executive duties.
The Regional Chairman is the political head, and presides over the Council in developing policies, deliberating on the execution of the programmes, and the management of the Region. The Regional Chairman represents the Region’s interests at the national level, such as the Drainage and Irrigation Board.
During my stewardship, every effort was made to keep the Government honest and accessible to the people. This was done through walkabouts, community meetings, an open-door communication policy, regional media programmes, and having the media present at RDC meetings. The RDC was manned by councillors from the PPP, AFC and APNU. These meetings were robust, and none was spared scrutiny and accountability, including me.
On the Rebuild Our Future Programme (ROFP), this was conceptualised out of the cooperative spirit exhibited during our 2012 struggle, and the need to keep it alive in furtherance of the Region’s development.
This programme includes the burial of our three martyrs on August 1, 2012, and some support for their families; the Rebuild One Mile Primary School project; establishment of the Linden Martyrs Monument Park; and the establishment of the television station. The ROFP has a Working Committee, and is administered outside of the day-to-day administration of the Region, which is independent of this management, and is with the participation of stakeholders.
The money garnered for this Programme is accounted for by professional accountants, Wilson’s Consulting Service (Linden), deposited at Citizens Bank, and audited by D. Bahadur & Co. Chartered Accountants (Georgetown), at the insistence of the Council which was made up of Councillors of all three of the political parties.
There is no need to assassinate my character to justify to Guyana and the people of Region 10 the purported exclusion of my name from the Regional List. I have served the people of this Region with pride, integrity and humility, and in this Information Age, my record is easily verifiable.
I remain humbled and grateful for the opportunity presented to serve the people. Though some may think I am extinguishable, Region 10 and those who desire a politics of development and not a politics of destruction and tear down, rest assured you will hear from, and see, Sharma Solomon.
I am Guyanese, and will continue to play a positive role in the development of our people and this dear land.

SHARMA SOLOMON

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