Dear Editor,
I had a most shocking and humiliating experience recently with Mr Dennis Jaikarran, Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three.
On Monday morning, 14th March, I called Mr Jaikarran to follow up on a request for the use of the Region’s grader. As usual, I greeted him respectfully but I detected an unusual response, so I enquired of him whether we had a quarrel. He shockingly gave a hostile response using strong words. I was shocked and dumfounded and enquired what he meant and he repeated his remarks. I tried further to have him explain what he meant; he then asked me to state what I had called for. I then told him that I called to follow up on my request for the Region’s grader. He promptly told me I cannot get it. I then again beseeched him to tell me what he meant by his remarks, and he told me to go to the media, which I have done.
I then realized that he was referring to the issue with the substandard road materials supplied to my NDC by a contractor recently.
For readers’ benefit earlier this year, our NDC had advertised for crusher run and the contractor supplied quarry cleaning (lots of loam and large stone). This matter was brought to the attention of the REO, who requested that I write him. I wrote him and a meeting was arranged with the contractor, the REO, his engineer and myself. At that meeting the REO said the consignment note has crusher run and he was prepared to go with it; I was not satisfied and informed him that I will approach the Ministry of Communities. I then wrote the PS of that ministry and the matter was again referred to the Region. However nothing came of the matter and the contractor came on a holiday weekend and began to spread the substandard materials. In the presence of councillors and residents I called the Stabroek News and Guyana Times; eventually a reporter from Stabroek News came and witnessed what we were saying, took pictures of the material and carried an article. I was hoping the REO and his engineer would go and look at the material but they did not. Let’s not forget that the residents were witnessing what was going on.
Editor, later on the said Monday, after discussions with councillors, I wrote the REO pointing out that I strongly protested his remarks, and reminded him that on the matter referred to, I was very respectful to him and that I followed due process. Furthermore I said that the only motivation of the council was to have value for money and looked forward to his support, but I never got it – to ensure value for money. I did this, hoping that the REO, upon reflection may have regretted his remarks, but at time of writing no response was received. I guess he couldn’t care less.
Editor, what he said were strong words and for them to be used by an REO in these circumstances is most unfortunate. Ever since I entered public life some years ago, honesty, vigorous representation of my constituency, holding public office-holders to high standards and value for money have always been my only motivations. That has not changed, and as I prepare to demit office to be deemed the opposite for doing so by someone who is supposed to be the custodian of these values is most disappointing.
It must also be noted that the contractor was paid for the substandard materials against the wishes of the NDC.
I take this opportunity to salute all the wonderful residents and councillors of the NDC for their support and warm hospitality during my tenure as their Chairman.
Yours faithfully,
Milton Dookie
