Dear Editor,
When the residents of Lethem and its environs thronged the NDC office in Lethem in May of last year to denounce the suggestion of replacing the NDC with an IMC, they knew exactly what they were doing. Editor, recent events have vindicated the residents’ opposition to such a move.
I have been reliably informed that at a recent meeting of the committee, a decision was taken to retail sand and gravel at certain prices. Unknown to most of the committee, a quantity of gravel was allegedly sold to a contractor at half the agreed price.
Then again there is a Brazilian national who is engaged in the construction of a controversial building at the Lethem airstrip area. The committee was unanimous in its decision not to issue a letter to him in order that he could receive electricity from the Lethem Power Company.
Again, unknown to nearly all the committee, a letter was issued. The premises now have electricity.
Editor, the IMC is probably mimicking the actions of their so-called ‘big brother’ the RDC, where decisions taken are openly ignored.
The residents were also vindicated, when one of the proponents of the institution of the IMC was forced into hiding on gun-running charges. He had been one of the speakers in favour of the IMC. That tells a whole story about the calibre of some of the persons who want the IMC.
This IMC, I am sure, was created to score cheap political points for a sagging administration. When endless requests were made by the NDC to collect royalties for the sand and gravel that are being extracted within its boundaries, they were bluntly denied. Today the IMC is now being permitted to collect such royalties. These and other actions are being closely monitored.
‘Me ah watch dem.’
Yours faithfully,
Carl Parker (Sr)
Regional Councillor
