Dear Editor,
Let me from the outset say that the statements circulating alleging financial impropriety on my part have no basis in fact. It is unfortunate the Region has returned to an era where those who disagree find being disagreeable an appropriate conflict resolution tool. In the three years serving as APNU-elected Regional Chairman and a member of the PNCR I have been accused of receiving millions of dollars from the PPP and other sources.
I can say to you this much: With very few resources given to me as Campaign Manager, Region 10 had the best showing for the coalition at the May 11 elections in terms of votes, turnout and reducing the PPP numbers. The people of Region 10 have stood tall and have been a formidable force against those who threatened our tranquillity and sought to trample our rights. Despite our political diversity on regional matters we have operated as One Region.
An understanding of how the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) functions would reveal the administrative line of authority starts with the Regional Executive Officer, who is the RDC’s chief financial officer and administrator of all executive duties. The Regional Chairman is the political head and presides over the council in developing policies, and deliberating on the execution of the programmes and the management of the region. The Regional Chairman represents the Region’s interests at national level such as on the Drainage and Irrigation Board.
During my stewardship every effort was made to keep government honest and accessible to the people. This was done through walk-abouts, community meetings, an open-door communication policy, regional media programmes and having the media present at RDC meetings. The RDC was manned by councillors from the PPP, AFC and APNU. These meetings were robust and none was spared scrutiny and accountability, including me.
The Rebuild Our Future Programme (ROFP) was conceptualised out of the cooperative spirit exhibited during our 2012 struggle and the need to keep it alive in furtherance of the Region’s development.
This programme included the burial of our three Martyrs on August 1, 2012 and some support for their families, also the rebuilding of One Mile Primary School, the establishment of the Linden Martyrs Monument Park and the establishment of the television station. The ROFP has a working committee and is administered outside of the day-to-day administration of the Region, is independent of this management and involves the participation of stakeholders. The money garnered for this programme is accounted for by a Professional Accountant of Wilson’s Consulting Service (Linden), deposited at Citizens Bank and audited by D Bahadur & Co. Chartered Accountants (Georgetown). This was at the insistence of the council which was made up of councillors of all three political parties.
There is no need to assassinate my character to justify to Guyana and the people of Region 10 the purported exclusion of my name from the Regional List. I have served the people of this Region with pride, integrity and humility, and in this information age my record is easily verifiable. I remain humbled and grateful for the opportunity presented to serve the people. Though some may think I am extinguishable, Region 10 and those who desire a politics of development and not a politics of destruction and tear down; rest assured you will hear from and see Sharma Solomon. I am Guyanese and will continue to play a positive role in the development of our people and this dear land.
Yours faithfully,
Sharma Solomon
