Carl Parker, the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine who was recently charged with sexual assault, has been relieved of the post, according to Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan.
The minister was at the time addressing reports carried in other sections of the media that claimed that Parker remained on the job for an entire week after he was charged with sexual assault.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) report, Bulkan explained that Parker has been off the job for over one week and that a replacement REO has since been installed.
Parker, in an invited comment, told Stabroek News that indeed he is not currently acting in the capacity as REO due to him having proceeded on leave that was reportedly owed to him over the past two years.
Bulkan identified Kerwin Ward, formerly of the Region Three administration, as acting REO of the Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo region. Ward is said have been with the Region Three administration for over 20 years, with his last substantial position within the Region Three being field auditor.
Though several calls were reportedly made by residents to have Parker removed as REO over claims of misconduct and corruption, Bulkan informed the media that he would be interdicted from duty with immediate effect only after he was charged.
However, reports from members of the community, the Regional Chairman Brian Allicock, and sections of the media, stated that Parker was still on the job, GINA noted.
