-Lall
Local Government Minister Kellawan Lall says in-fighting among the political parties is affecting the work of the Region 4 Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

At a press conference on Wednesday, Lall stated that it does not matter which political party is heading the council, pointing out that RDCs in other areas, such as regions 7 and 10, which both have a PNCR majority, “are doing their work.” He added that while there are politics involved in the functions of the RDCs, they are able to carry out their duties. According to the Minister, the composition of the Region Four RDC “is an opportunity for us to have openness.” However, he noted that the council is engaged in “in-fighting,” and has not been doing its work.

Lall was particularly critical of Regional Chairman Clement Corlette, stating that he is playing a game which he cannot win.” He said he has spoken to both Corlette and Regional Executive Officer Shafdar Ali, who is alleged to have committed several financial irregularities at the RDC.

In an interview with this newspaper on February 18, Corlette made a call for the principals of the two main political parties to re-examine the initial arrangements put in place regarding the formation of the RDC. Corlette made this appeal in the light of a disagreement which resulted in the February 16 statutory meeting of the council being deferred to this month, after a motion floated by PPP/C councillor Kwame McCoy to suspend the standing orders was denied. The council has since suspended McCoy for 90 days.