Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan has dismissed as propaganda assertions appearing in certain sections of the media that opposition dominated regional councils were deliberately sidelined and excluded from Friday’s inaugural National Regional Development Consultative Committee (NRDCC) meeting.

Four of the opposition controlled councils despite being invited, absented themselves from the forum, the ministry said in a statement. It added that between 6:44 and 8:47pm, Thursday night Minister Ronald Bulkan received four identically-worded letters from opposition-controlled councils (Regions 2, 5 and 6 and Mayor of the Anna Regina Town Council), the identically worded letters confirm central direction and involvement.

“This not only displays disinterest and disrespect, but borders on insubordination and disregard for policies of central government, and more importantly, the needs of the citizens within the various communities.”

“What was obviously a boycott will ultimately disenfranchise the people within those regions, making them victims of self-serving politicians. Any suggestion that today’s activity will dilute or threaten the authority of local democratic organs is baseless, provocative and devious since the activity was designed to strengthen the role of local democratic organs in the discharge of their duties.”

“Further, public officials have a duty under the law to conform to public policies.
The policy of decentralisation and devolution of decision-making power, and the administration’s efforts to ensure that regional officials are invested with power authority and respect to manage their affairs and that of their people is central to this administration’s philosophy and commitment to the people of Guyana.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Communities, Bulkan, expressed sympathy and empathy with several officials who were prepared to attend the session and actually uplifted state funds to facilitate their attendance but were discouraged by their political masters, the statement read.

Minister Bulkan has said that the administration will continue to work with them and all other stakeholders to heal the divide which exists in Guyana and build a united, cohesive country.

“Those deplorable actions of the opposition to deny regional leaders the opportunity of participating in activities organised by central government intended to improve the quality of life of all Guyanese in all of the country’s regions, are pitiful, irresponsible, and reckless, and does a disservice to the people which they were elected to serve.”

However, he said central government will not be deterred or distracted from representing all Guyanese people. “Central Government will persevere in working with all local democratic organs to ensure that they function as part and parcel of the governance architecture and in alignment with the national agenda based on government’s strategic trajectory. “

Bulkan explained that there are three tiers of government and central government is committed to ensuring that all levels collaborate and that none dominate.

“Government remains dedicated to a united Guyana. Government is mindful, too, of the fact that all regions have different priorities, needs, resources and personnel. Government, with this recognition will work with regional administrators to fully realise the potential of each region and ultimately the potential of our nation as a whole.”

Meanwhile, in a statement of its own the Peoples’ Progressive Party’s (PPP) said its Head Office, late Thursday afternoon was contacted by a number of Regional Chairmen and Mayors expressing their disapproval in attending the launch of the inaugural meeting of the National Regional Development Consultative Committee (NRDCC) at the Marriot Hotel, Kingston.

The PPP claimed that the regional chairmen and vice chairmen of the seven councils, which it won and the mayors and deputy mayors of the three municipalities it also won were given very short notice and were not given details regarding the meeting prior to travelling.

The party also claimed contrary to the ministry that the officers were asked to fund their own travelling costs. The PPP also complained that there was no prior consultation with the Parliamentary Opposition or with the invited Local Authorities (Regions and Municipalities) on the inauguration of a NRDCC and the establishment of ten Regional Development Consultative Committees (RDCCs). The latter would be co-chaired by the Regional Chairman and Mayor for each Administrative Region.