– REO warns against conflict of interest

By Rabindra Rooplall

REGION Three Regional Executive Officer (REO) Dennis Jaikarran has warned the newly-elected chairpersons and their deputies not to be caught in the web of conflict of interest.He advised them to turn away from the temptation of corruption, especially in dealing with contractors and suppliers of goods and services.

He made these remarks Tuesday as 13 chairpersons and 12 deputies were sworn in to lead the 14 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) within Region Three.

One deputy was absent while there is still a contest for the chairmanship of another NDC as the matter is before the court. They were elected at the recently-concluded NDC elections on March 18.

Jaikarran noted also that President David Granger has already indicated his interest in the effective and smooth functioning of every NDC across the country.

As Regional Executive Officer, he said, “I have no alternative but to say to you that as REO representing the Government of Guyana that every day of my working life in this region I would be devoting to the NDC’s so that Region Three can grow.”

TEAMWORK
Underscoring that it’s time to put away petty issues and politics, he said development has to take its place ‘now’ and everyone has to work as a team.

Noting that teamwork is important, he encouraged NDC officials to become team players since serious decisions have to be made. The REO also noted that it is not necessary to act in the interest of a political group since the decisions should be based on principles, on existing rules, regulations and laws governing all situations.

GOOD GOVERNANCE
“We have to take care of every rule, convention and regulation that point in the right direction, so that good governance can be achieved at this level… Let Region Three be the wakeup call for what good NDC management is capable of and you have to represent every single person,” he asserted.

He said strong interpersonal relationships have to be developed while communicating effectively in an honest manner.

“As NDC chairman and deputies, you’re going to be in a position to manage government resources… I will be auditing every single NDC, I want to establish what is the financial standing of all NDCs, their assets, where they are and how they are used since the REO is the custodian of government property in the region and the NDCs is an arm of the region.”