Having been exonerated on a charge of sexual assault, Carl Parker has been reinstated as Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine but the regional council is against him continuing in the post.
Stabroek News was informed that Parker was given approval by the Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan to resume duties as REO effective March 12th, 2018.
This was also confirmed by Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock, who noted that Parker returned to office on Monday.
However, by way of a letter, dated March 12th, Allicock has informed President David Granger that while the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) had no objection to Parker’s reinstatement to the administration, a motion has been passed by the council disapproving his continuing as REO.
The letter cited many concerns raised about Parker, including issues raised by the Auditor General over overpayment of contracts and incomplete projects.
“The plan of action for Regional Develop-ment continues to be successful with the assistance of the Regional Administration and the RDC pledges to work together without any disruption,” the letter stated. “In view of the above, I trust that you give this matter your urgent attention for the improvement of this region,” it added.
Parker was charged on February 9th, 2017, with sexual assault and was later released on $200,000 bail, while the case was transferred to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court for trial. He was also on leave pending the outcome of the case.
The case against him was recently dismissed on the grounds that the charge instituted against him was “bad in law,” after presiding Magistrate Alan Wilson observed that the charge was laid under the wrong section of the Sexual Offences Act.
“The Magistrate in his decision said he observed that the section under which Parker was charged was not a section that deals with offences but deals with penalties,” Parker’s attorney, Jerome Khan, told Stabroek News.
