Latest update May 4th, 2024 11:32 PM
May 20, 2016 News
The Region Five Democratic Council is led by the Opposition: Regional Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal, and Vice Chairman Rion Peters. The Regional Chairman, however, has been subjected to harsh criticisms after he was a no-show when President David Granger, in January, visited the Region to hand over some buses under the Three B’s Initiative.
The APNU+AFC members of the RDC have been contending, since then, that the actions of the Regional Chairman were deliberate, and that he was disrespectful to the President. They have been demanding an apology from the Regional Chairman, before he would be allowed to chair any sitting of the RDC.
Mr. Ramphal, on the other hand, did say, in January, that his actions had nothing to do with disrespect for the President. However, for the fifth month running, the RDC has not been able to deliberate because of the actions of the APNU+AFC members.
The meeting was scheduled to begin at 10:00 hours, yesterday, but at about 09:50 hours the APNU+AFC councillors took up the seats around the head table, effectively occupying the seats that would normally be occupied by the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and the Regional Executive Officer.
The group led by Councillor Hudson, went into an opening prayer for what they classified as a church service, after which Hudson took the floor to do a presentation on respect.
By this time, senior public servants had begun to arrive for the meeting, and were told, “Welcome to church.”
The Regional Chairman arrived at approximately 09:55 hours, but was prevented from taking up his position at the head table. He subsequently left the room, and returned this time, accompanied by the Vice Chairman and other PPP members of the RDC.
The Chairman then called the meeting to order amidst heckling and the continued presentation from Councillor Hudson. The national pledge was recited. However, the Chairman was forced to adjourn the meeting without going any further.
Mr. Ramphal said that it is unfortunate that the RDC is not allowed to sit and discuss matters concerning Region Five. He said that councillors are the eyes and ears of the Region. They identify needs within the various communities and point them out to the RDC for action where necessary.
The current standoff can only negatively affect the Region, he said. He added that actions of the APNU+AFC members are denying the people the representation they deserve.
APNU Councillor Hudson said that the APNU+AFC side of the RDC is expecting Mr. Ramphal to offer an apology, whether orally or in writing, so that things can return to normal at the RDC. He also said that works are being carried out despite the standoff.
He added that a number of contracts are soon to be awarded despite the present situation, but admitted that current situation does not allow any new project to be taken before the RDC for ratification.
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I do not care who you are, you ought to give respect where it is due. Not because President Granger is not from your party, disrespect must be directed towards him as alleged.