Dear Editor
PLEASE allow me to respond to a letter that was published in the Guyana Times letter column dated May 10th, 2016 under the caption: “Govt Should be fair in Executing duties” and was written by a concerned contractor. The contractor in the first paragraph of his letter seems not to understand that I still and always will stand for what I think is the best for the people of my region and Guyana at large.I am always against corruption and always will be speaking out against it in every community and everywhere and everytime I could, even under this government. The contractor went on to say that my voice seems not to be coming out on corruption now. Well I would like to advise the contractor to visit the REO and every corner of the RDC heads of departments (HOD) offices in that compound and find out about Abel Seetaram and his stance, even make a call to some of my fellow councillors like Takoor Singh, Hermon Anthony, Carol Smith Joseph and others and find out what is Abel Seetaram’s stance on corruption and discrimination. After that survey, I challenge you to write another article in the newspaper and say your findings (truthfully).
As chairman of the Board of Directors of MARDS Rice Milling Complex located in Burma, Mahaicony, I always consult my board members before making any decision and this was one that was done. I have received a letter from the Region Five – 50th Independence Anniversary Committee seeking sponsorship\funding towards the building of a cenotaph and a fun park at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice. Upon consultation with the other members of the board, we have decided that it is something that will be part of history in Region Five and Guyana at large and we will support the project as long as the terms of agreement (ToA)are worked out by both parties and agreed upon.
This was done in the ToA, whereby the Regional Engineer will be the point man of the project providing the bill of quantity (BoQ) and the design of the area. It was also decided that the Regional Democratic Council shall be the employer. Therefore, the board of directors of MARDS and the chairman had no hands in giving out that contract and according to information received, it was properly awarded to a contractor. The writer went on to accuse the MARDS board of giving contracts to contractors to build roads in Burma Housing Scheme with funds from MARDS. Well, I would like to advise that contractor who seems to be bent towards politics under the PPP that at NO TIME UNDER THIS NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS and ITS CHAIRMAN DID WE APPROVE ANY ROAD WORK OR UNDERTAKE ANY ROAD WORK UNDER THE BOARD in the said or any housing scheme.
What I Know for a fact is that the previous Chairman of MARDS, who was also Chairman of the MMA\ADA, had taken tens of millions of dollars from the MARDS board and gave it towards building the road at MMA\ADA Onverwagt, although no farmer planting the lands in the Burma area benefited. Tens of millions was also used from MARDS to purchase equipment for D&I work, but was given to MMA\ADA and MARDS was still paying MMA\ADA D&I charges.
As chairman of the board, I was very upset when I first stepped into Burma and saw the condition of the area and the office building that is being used by MARDS. I will stand in ensuring that Burma Housing Scheme becomes Burma back in the days again, whereby there are proper living conditions for the residents. I want to ensure the public that everything that this board does to enhance Burma will be transparent and accountable; and that we will ensure we seek help for the people of Burma to live a good life. I would like to leave this for the contractor and his allies in the PPP. Don’t Forsake Those That Feed You, Don’t Curse those That Help you and Be grateful for what you have and help others.
Abel Seetaram
Chairman
MARDS Rice Milling Complex