Dear Editor,
I am writing to bring to your attention some deeply concerning issues that have plagued the Port Mourant Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) in Region 6, Corentyne, over the years. The citizens of Port Mourant have witnessed a disheartening spectacle of misrepresentation, misappropriation, and neglect by their NDC.
This NDC encompasses several critical constituencies, but its recent track record has been marred by controversies that warrant immediate scrutiny. While it is true that this NDC, along with its chairman, overseers, and councilors, has found itself in the local news on numerous occasions in the past, I feel compelled to shed light on the most recent and troubling events.
One alarming incident involves an official associated with the NDC allegedly surreptitiously employing at least two part-time government workers without their knowledge and subsequently pocketing their salaries. Astonish-ingly, the Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus, has confirmed that no reports of forgery or embezzlement related to the Johns-Port Mourant NDC have been brought to the attention of the Police. Equally concerning is the Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) who has chosen to remain silent on this matter.
As it stands, the NDC has a substantial workforce of 103 part-time employees. Shockingly, the Chairman asserts that 48 of these individuals were employed directly by the overseer. Furthermore, it has come to light that the NDC’s financial records have not been updated since 2017, a serious breach of accountability. In March of this year, a vehicle, purchased by the Johns-Port Mourant NDC for garbage collection, was acquired in the name of the acting overseer. This information is publicly accessible, raising further questions about transparency.
Perhaps the most egregious issue is the pending legal action against the NDC, alleging non-payment of $1.6 million to a contractor for the installation of lights. The NDC had received the necessary funding for this project in its 2021 subvention, making this legal dispute a matter of public concern.
In light of these alarming developments, I implore our political leaders who are not only bound to the people for votes, but by responsibility to get with the programme! The people of Port Mourant deserve transparency, accountability, and responsible governance from their NDC. It is my hope that your esteemed publication will shed light on these issues and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Sincerely,
Rajendra Lachman
Concerned Citizen
