Dear Editor,
The current acting Regional Executive Officer of Region 2, Mr Derrick Persaud, has done quite a remarkable job within a short space of time. He assumed the post almost one month ago after the substantive REO proceeded on annual vacation leave. Since his assumption of office he has been quite visible and even proactive in almost all aspects of service to the people of Region 2. I am indeed impressed with his administrative skills and ability to generate positive results, particularly in relation to those like trench cleaners who were not paid in almost three months prior to his appointment. However Mr Persaud immediately intervened and within two weeks the trench cleaners were paid. He also dealt with contractors whose payment was delayed because of a backlog of unsigned contracts.
After the general elections in May, 2015 there were great expectations about an efficient administration. However this was not to be, and instead the status quo continued. Within the past month though, the acting REO has considerably reversed the image of the administration with a hands on approach to getting things done. Only on Monday, he was seen at Charity investigating a reported case of flooding in the area. He was promptly at the scene and I am confident that he would have assured the residents that some degree of relief would be provided. He was also at the Public Hospital in Suddie along with the Regional Chairman, speaking to bedridden fathers on Fathers’ Day, which was quite a touching sight.
I was invited to a social function that the Region hosted on Saturday at Lake Mainstay, and again I was impressed with Mr Persaud’s organizational skills and his ability to gain the support and cooperation of his staff. It was his idea to host the sister Regions 3 and 4 in an effort to foster unity, build good relations and have staff interact with other regions through a day of sports. It was a success and seemed to have had the support of the RDC as well, since the attendees included the Regional Chairman, Regional Vice Chairman, RDC Councillors and a Member of Parliament. Such events can only augur well for the positive image of the Region and as an incentive for staff to function even better, given that they have been appreciated and recognized for their effort.
This is a critical period for the Region since it was confirmed that next year’s budget will be laid in Parliament in November 2017. With this in mind, I was reliably informed that the Region is positioned at number seven in terms of completing its current and capital expenditure which is actually an F grade in terms of performance. It should be left for Mr Persaud to continue his outstanding job to regain the region’s high status. However, Mr Persaud’s short appointment will be completed on June 30th, and already the signs are that the Region may return to stagnating and underperforming. I am hopeful therefore that the relevant authorities may see the wisdom of extending the tenure of Mr Persaud to lead the Region through this difficult phase in the wake of growing uneasiness among rice farmers, trench cleaners, contractors, business operators and residents who are dissatisfied with un-cleaned trenches and clogged drains. Region 2 has the potential to prosper and unite with effective leaders such as Derrick Persaud.
Yours faithfully,
Prince Holder
