In a letter dated last Thursday, Corlette referred to an article in the Guyana Chronicle which quoted Persaud as saying that based on advice received from the Attorney-General, there was no need for discussion. Corlette, as well as leader of the opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), David Granger, had objected to what they termed the “arbitrary transfer” of overseers within the region’s Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) by the Ministry of Local Government. Objecting to the transfer of overseers in the region, Corlette had written to Persaud requesting a meeting on the “arbitrary transfer” of overseers within the region’s NDCs.
Persaud had said that the rotation of the NDC overseers was done within the legal framework and was part of reforms.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) reported the minister as saying that the ministry had sought legal advice from Attorney General Anil Nandlall. “We were assured that the minister has acted in keeping with the legal framework and that there is no issue as it regards the minister’s authority vested in the legislation,” Persaud said, according to GINA.
Corlette in his letter requested a copy of the advice of the Attorney-General on the matter. Contacted yesterday, the regional chairman said he has not received a response thus far.
He said that transfer of overseers was ongoing in other regions and the minister “appears to be bullying” them. Questioned on his next step if the minister does not respond, Corlette said he would have to discuss the issue with his political principals before deciding on the next course of action.
Persaud, GINA reported, has said that the ministry would have received correspondence from persons concerned at the rotation. Persaud said that “no overseer will receive less benefit than he/she would have been receiving prior to the rotation.” Persaud said that even amidst the seeming controversy, all the overseers in Region 2 have assumed duties in their new locations and a similar situation exists in Region 6.
There has been some movement in Region 3 and 4 and significant movement in Region 5, he added. The minister said that some overseers are still in the process of handing over and balancing records and bringing books up to date.
