Dear Editor,
I refer to a letter from one Carlton Beckles giving the impression that the RDC Council of Region 9 is about to move a no-confidence motion against acting REO Mr Carl Parker. I know of the work of Mr Parker and he is a valuable political asset to the APNU+AFC in Region 9. But clearly Mr Parker is not a neutral public servant and thus cannot professionally serve as the REO. If the APNU+AFC want to utilize Mr. Parker’s political skills in the region, then they can appoint him as an Advisor to the Minister on Region 9 Affairs, which is allowable under the public service rules, but he is unfit from an impartiality perspective to serve as the REO of the region.
It was the Minister of Communities who said on June 1, 2015, “Public servants must practice administrative neutrality.” It was none other than the President who said “impartiality will be a hallmark of public servants” in his administration.
Therefore anyone who appeared both on the Regional List and National political list of the APNU+AFC is unfit to serve in this neutral role as the REO. I totally agreed with the position that Mr Ronald Harsawack, a PPP politician, should be let go because he was not impartial and on the same principle Mr Parker is unsuitable and unfit to serve in the REO role. Rules are rules and it matters not to which party you belong.
I call on the Minister to urgently appoint an intelligent and politically impartial public servant to the REO position and bring back professionalism to the position of REO in Lethem. The time is now for Guyana to see the back of the PPP politicians like Mr Harsawack and APNU+AFC politicians in impartial positions like the REO roles.
I now call on all Rupununians to raise their voices against this impending abuse and professional atrocity that can see the imposition of Mr Parker, a member of the APNU+AFC list as the REO of Region 9. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. If he stays, this will do irreparable damage to the image of the APNU+AFC coalition.
Yours faithfully,
Carl Beaton
