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In a recent statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) held on September 26, 2023, concerns were raised by APNU+AFC councillors regarding the continued lack of transparency and information on projects being executed in the Region.
Councilor Neilson McKenzie expressed frustration, highlighting that billions of dollars in work have been undertaken in the Region, but the Council remains in the dark about the contractors involved and the scope of these projects. This lack of transparency has persisted for nearly three years, with the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Donald Gagraj, allegedly failing to provide essential information to the Council.
Councillor Hazel Pyle-Lewis, Chief Whip for the APNU at the RDC, emphasized that not only has the Public Works Committee (PWC) been left uninformed about ongoing projects, but the Regional Administration Committee (RAC) has not convened for over two years. This raises significant concerns as it impedes the Council’s ability to monitor project progress effectively. Pyle-Lewis further noted that during Council meetings, the REO consistently claims that there is no correspondence, a move perceived as an attempt to keep the APNU+AFC-led Council in the dark.
The controversy centers on allegations that the REO, appointed by the PPP, has been taking political instructions from the central government and intentionally excluding the Council from the Region’s affairs. The RDC comprises elected members from both major political parties and is tasked with managing the Region’s resources and affairs.
This dispute traces back several months when APNU+AFC members moved a motion of no-confidence against the REO due to the sidelining of the Council in the budget preparation process. However, the issue remains unresolved, and the REO continues to hold his position, much to the displeasure of APNU+AFC Councillors.
As of now, the RDC remains in the dark concerning the details of awarded projects being executed within the Region. The lack of transparency and cooperation between the Council and the REO continues to be a contentious issue, leaving the Council unable to effectively fulfill its oversight responsibilities.
The APNU+AFC councillors are determined to push for increased transparency and accountability in regional projects, demanding that the council be provided with the necessary information to fulfill its mandate of managing the Region’s resources and affairs effectively. The ongoing dispute highlights the challenges of political dynamics at the regional level and the need for transparent governance in the interest of the region’s development.
