Dear Editor,
I AM very concerned about the misinformation being peddled by the regional chairman of Region Five over the past few months.
I am very much amazed as to the way this man would lie to the residents, just to feel good as if he is truly doing what he ought to. Recently, the regional administration held a meeting with some residents of Mahaicony concerning the new nursery school that will be built in the area. However, before the REO and team reached the area, the regional chairman organised a picketing exercise with some of the residents. He had the attention of the residents when he misinformed them that the new nursery school would be built one mile farther down than the area they plan to build it.

This is a total lie and the chairman is very wicked in doing that. When the REO and team met the residents and told them the truth, then the residents realised that the regional chairman is creating problems for his own political gains. The regional administration lately embarked on a beautification and enhancement project on the Mahaica Old Road where the secondary school is. The entire stretch from the Old Bridge to the Double Road is being enhanced presently. Yet the chairman went into the area telling the residents that the REO and team wanted to take away their lands to build a drainage canal; this is another lie and the residents realised that he was lying to them and ignored him.

Mr. Editor, since the rain started to fall heavily over the last few days, the REO has been on the ground. Myself, the REO and engineer have been visiting across Region Five every day since, be it from Ithaca on the West Bank of Berbice to Mahaica Creek, be it day or night.
During those days, the regional chairman didn’t think of the residents. All of a sudden on Saturday 24th June, 2017 he woke up and saw rains and the areas flooded. All of a sudden, he wants a meeting with the Regional Disaster Management Committee (which by the way has never met since 2015, although in 2016 there were areas that were flooded and affected by heavy rainfall).

Let me state that the Region Five chairman need to wake up or shape up and out because he only wanted to call that meeting because his PPP MP was in the area and he wants to show as if he cares. He doesn’t care anything about the residents of Region Five.
He told the media that the REO don’t want to meet with him on that committee. This man is such a liar. Even if the REO had decided not to meet with him, the meeting could have still taken place. The REO is not the only member of that committee. The REO and team (including myself) early that morning was in the fields. This man is lying barefacedly to residents. He (chairman) didn’t even know that pumps were put in place in some areas along Region Five. Shame on this man.

Here are some questions for this unsuccessful and lying regional chairman. Where were you since the rains started?. Before Saturday, 24th June, 2017 name the areas you visited during the rainy season?. Why is it that you are lying to the residents of the region when projects and progress are happening?. Why since 2015 the Regional Disaster Management Committee (RDMC) has never met? Why is it that you are hampering progress and development in the region?. Why is it that the (RDMC) didn’t meet without the REO?.
Mr. Chairman stop this nonsense and work for the residents of the region, so that there can be progress and development.

I must also let you know that without you development will still take place and works will be done to enhance the lives of the people. Mr. chairman, if you don’t know or are trying to turn your ear from hearing positive things happening in Region Five, then you can read the papers because the invitation to tenders is once again being invited to do works in Region Five. This government and administration will continue to work as hard as possible in ensuring that there is a better life for all.

Regards
Abel Seetaram