FROM January 2019, regional executive officers (REOs) of several administrative regions will be reassigned, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan has confirmed.

The minister told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday that earlier this year, the officials were alerted by him of the rotation process. He said the regional officials stationed in the Barima-Waini (Region One); Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two); Essequibo Islands –West Demerara (Region Three) ; Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven); and the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) regions will be shifted around.

This publication understands that the REO of the Region One, Leslie Wilburg, will be taking up a similar position in Region Nine. Minister Bulkan said that the issue of rotation is not unfamiliar to the public service and the ministry. According to him, the process allows officers stationed in different positions to broaden “the scope of their exposure.”

The minister noted too that it ensures that permanent positions are not created within the councils and that it allows for a “healthy exchange” of personnel, which helps to reinforce confidence in the management and administration of the regional democratic councils. Bulkan said the move also addresses the question of succession, that the system ought to be “robust enough” to allow for a change in personnel and allows for a greater level of effectiveness.

In October 2015, Cabinet approved “an enhanced remuneration package” for all REOs, which totalled approximately $600,000. The package includes a basic monthly non-taxable salary of $300,000; a $70,000 duty allowance, which is also non-taxable, and a $10,000 allowance for cellular phones. The REOs are also entitled to 42 days vacation leave; duty- free concessions (Scale A); vacation allowances; gratuities; payment of residential landline bill, (local calls only); the payment of electricity charges at places of residence; the provision of security at the place of residence; and the provision of a government vehicle and driver. Each REO was expected to be contracted for three years.