Dear Editor

I would have previously served under four Regional Executive Officers (REO) in Region 2 and they were all dedicated public servants. The late Rafiq Khan was an astute administrator whose eloquence was unmatched, while Nankishore Persaud was an institution of knowledge and implementation as it relates to the accounting system.
Each individual brought a different dimension in leadership and which is no exception with Mr. Rupert Hopkinson who now serves as the Regional Executive Officer. He immediately made an indelible impression with transforming the landscape of the township, as well as, enhancing the cleanliness of several communities along the Essequibo Coast. There were many drains and trenches that posed serious health risk to residents which were immediately addressed upon Mr. Hopkinson’s assumption, including the main trench in front of the Administrative Office in Anna Regina which remained in a deplorable state for many years. It was a sight that was embarrassing and which also had posed irrigational challenges since the water could not have drained easily, particularly when the rain fell heavily.
Currently there are core groups most of whom are youths, who under the President’s initiative were given equipment including small weeders, cutlasses, files and gloves etc, to clean communities and which they have been admirably doing including in the Township. These are many operational dimensions of Mr. Hopkinson’s tenure which also included the redesigning and rehabilitation of the State House into an architectural and imposing landmark. The Administrative Offices were also immaculately painted and equipped to provide the staff with better facilities in an effort to have them deliver proficient services to the public. Such an enabling and facilitating environment I would have observed has motivated the staff into becoming a more professional unit, as well as, in the execution of their functions. There are several abandoned and dilapidated buildings of the state which seemed to have been previously neglected. Such a scenario is now gradually changing with the intervention of Mr. Hopkinson who has undertaken towards ensuring that many of the buildings are renovated and made available to officers of the state, including those residing out of the Region. This is quite beneficial to the Region given that professional services were denied due to the unavailability of accommodation.
In fact, the Region will be provided with a psychiatrist and a psychologist and their services will depend on being appropriately accommodated. A massive drive has also commenced to generate and stimulate social cohesion through the establishment of strategic parks which are now created in areas such as Cotton Field, Anna Regina and Ex-Mouth. These parks will enable families to enjoy meaningful time in relaxation and even for the children to participate in fun and games. It is also the intention of the REO to create an economic space since small entrepreneurs can provide a service to patrons using the facilities.
Additionally, the REO has begun to promote the Region as a `Green State’ with the planting of trees along the public road in Anna Regina as well as the adjoining street in front of the Administrative building. It has become quite an attractive site and which will be done in several other villages and at a time when the Region is aggressively promoting tourism. Notwithstanding too, there are other challenges that are engaging the attention of the REO. These include the construction and maintenance of roads, including stronger access dams for rice farmers, repairs to schools, hospitals, health posts, land and water transportation for school children and officers, as well as, generally engaging the public through community out-reach to ascertain their concerns and addressing same in a timely manner.
While key services such as the provision of electricity and water do not fall under his purview, he is committed towards working closely with the corporations towards ensuring that the people of Region 2 are gaining the highest quality of service. Presently there are constant black-outs which have considerably affected the population. However, it was confirmed that efforts have been made to have new generators installed by November. In the interim, there has been a fluctuation of electricity. Notwithstanding, Region 2 is progressing steadily under the stewardship of Mr. Rupert Hopkinson who has withstood the test of time for the benefit of improving the lives of the residents in Region 2.
Regards
Elroy Stephney