THE Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development sent Region Two Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikarran, packing on Tuesday. His termination came amid claims that he was a “dictator” in the region under the Coalition Government as opposed to a leader.

Jaikarran was asked by Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Permanent Secretary, Emil Mc Garrel, to immediately proceed on administrative leave until his contract comes to an end on October 27, 2020.

The letter was copied to Local Government and Regional Development Ministers, Nigel Dharamlall and Anand Persaud, and Region Two Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt.

Denis Jaikarran was posted in the region by the Granger-led coalition government on January 2, 2019 to serve as Regional Executive Officer. He had replaced Rupert Hopkinson after the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) was of the belief that he was only interested in building parks.

Jaikarran, prior to 2015, had served as Regional Education Officer and when he was posted many residents thought he would have performed to his best given the fact that he had knowledge of the region.

He completely shut out the PPP/C Regional Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt and Regional Vice-Chairman, Nandranie Coonjah, from their offices and from engagement that dealt with development. He even put out the Regional Vice Chairman out of her office and took away her vehicle.

He formed many committees where he promoted himself and used his personal media to promote his work. The media was shut out on many occasions from his meetings. Contractors had also alleged that they had to pay him to get a contract under his tenure.

Some women have also claimed that he sexually harassed them.