Dear Editor
Region Two is gradually being transformed with the continuing structural developments that are evident, especially during the past year. While there remain serious challenges, some of which are endemic, Mr Rupert Hopkinson, the Region’s Regional Executive Officer (REO) has admirably exhibited his managerial skills in defusing tensions, building partnerships among various stakeholders and creating an atmosphere of inclusivity among his workforce and the public.

He has managed to gradually enhance the physical landscape in many villages and especially in the township of Anna Regina. This has resulted in promoting cleanliness, beautification of historical and institutional sites and even promoting the region as a tourist destination, given the creation of attractive parks.
He has also placed significant emphasis on infrastructural development, especially in the critical areas of agriculture, health and education. Several sluices that provide irrigation to farmers are either being built or rehabilitated, hence rice yields are preserved from being damaged. Facilitating dams are also being maintained, so that access to the fields is less burdensome.

While rice farmers continue to be agitated by the fluctuating price of paddy, their yields continue to increase because of the administration’s resolute activism in combating flooding, managing the conservancies and providing technical services on a regular basis. In this regard, more rangers and overseers have been deployed to the lands and they are now responsible for timely interventions and effective reporting, which rarely existed in the past. Contractors are now closely monitored for the proper cleaning of canals and trenches. They are paid only when the task is satisfactorily done and done in keeping with the specification of the contract. Previously, there were instances whereby contractors were paid even before signing the contract, while in other cases the work was poorly done.
The REO has clearly demonstrated his intention towards prudently accounting for taxpayers’ money and has demanded transparency in every conceivable project that has been undertaken by the administration.

There have also been improvements in the physical structures of both the Suddie and Charity Hospitals, as well as the delivery of key health services. Additionally, more trained doctors are available, including at various health posts and in the rural areas. Other health posts are also being built in new housing schemes and which can provide similar services as the main hospitals. Given the instant demand for health services and the importance of maintaining a healthy society, an administrator was recently placed at the Charity hospital to manage the institution, which is a timely intervention by the REO.

The Charity hospital not only provides health care to the coastland, but to the Pomeroon districts as well, hence the importance of it being properly managed. I have also been impressed with the cordial and intimate relationship between the Department of Education and the administration, which is quite a positive development. Both the Regional Education Officer and the REO have been tirelessly cultivating an environment to accelerate learning among all schools with the timely delivery of learning materials and other resources which are motivating the teachers and gaining results. In fact, head-teachers are now responsible for managing their own imprest accounts on behalf of the school, which is another innovative concept of the REO. Previously, the administration was responsible for purchasing all stocks for schools which in many cases were not delivered in a timely fashion and it would have affected the schools. The mantle is now on the head-teachers to deliver without hindrance.

I have also seen the construction of the Aurora Primary School, which is one of the best structurally designed schools in the country. Additionally, the REO has engineered the restoration of the Regional State House which was previously unfit to host Government officials or conferences and was in a state of disrepair. The building has been completely transformed, including the surrounding environment and which was done at no additional cost to the State. This indeed is a major achievement of Mr Hopkinson’s prudent management of the administration’s limited financial resources and his stewardship towards recognising and placing significance in the value of institutional instruments. He has even modernised the administrative offices and improved the conditions under which the staff operate.

It is therefore no coincidence that the many initiatives that have been undertaken by the REO have been providing desirable results and that his continuing efforts to administer good leadership are being recognised. It is to the REO’S credit too that significant progress has been derived from the administration’s constant engagement with multi-stakeholders in every aspect of the region’s development, which is a key component of promoting democracy and due process in finding solutions. He has certainly demonstrated good judgement, having made accessible abandoned buildings which were rehabilitated and are now being used by non-governmental organisations such as the women of substance group and the Guyana Veteran Legion Essequibo Chapter.

These organisations in turn are providing social services as well as economic and educational opportunities in the villages in which they are stationed. Assistance has also been given to staff members, churches and other civic establishments who may require used materials, transportation or other facilities in a time of need. There is also the move to encourage the equitable distribution of contracts, especially to small contractors, many of whom are now empowered to provide competent services. His passion is unwavering and therefore Region Two is poised to become a progressive, dynamic and transformational coastland under his leadership.

Regards
Elroy Stephney