The Ministry of Communities yesterday said that Region Eight Regional Executive Officer, Rafael Downes is on leave pending the determination of charges against him.
A statement from the Ministry said that by letter dated May 14th, Downes’ appointment as Head of the budget agency, Potaro/Siparuni was revoked by the Ministry of Finance.
“The revocation of this appointment was on (the) basis of grave (charges) levelled against this Regional Executive Officer (REO) for breaching internal controls and using his authority to misappropriate the region’s resources”, the statement said.
It said that the report of the internal audit division is being evaluated.
“As a consequence, Mr Downes has been sent on administrative leave pending a determination of the charges”, the statement added.
