– Zamal Hussain elected Vice Chairman
Earlier today, a majority vote from Government-nominated and newly appointed Regional Councillors for East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six) resulted in the re-election of Mr. David Armogan as Regional Chairman.
Mr. Armogan has been serving as Regional Chairman since 2012. Thirty individuals had earlier, been appointed to serve as Councillors within the Region’s Regional Democratic Council (RDC); 20 representing the Government and 10 representing the Opposition APNU/AFC.
Minister of Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha congratulated the Councillors on behalf of the Government and encouraged them to carry out their functions to the best of their ability.
“It takes a lot of effort and energy to be a successful Councillor. I hope you are prepared to serve the people of Region Six regardless of race, religion or political affiliation. A number of people I see here, I know, are committed to the cause and that’s the way each and every one of you must operate,” Minister Mustapha said.
The subject Minister also told the Councillors that their decisions as a Council must benefit the entire Region, and he cautioned them to desist from using their appointments for political gain.
“The Regional Office is elected by Government to execute the policies of the Government. I hope that both sides will work together in the interest of the people. I want to urge Councillors to desist from using their appointments and the activities of the RDC to gain political mileage. The RDC has a vital role to play to execute good governance and we must ensure we listen to the concerns of the people and visit the various communities on a regular basis in order to make the necessary representation to the ultimate benefit of the people,” Minister Mustapha said.
Minister Mustapha also cited Government’s progress with the reopening of the closed sugar estates.
“Over the years we’ve seen life in this Region deteriorate. A number of persons were put on the breadline. Today I am excited that the Government is living up to its Manifesto commitments of reopening the closed estates.
Not only sugar will benefit from Government interventions, the productive sectors, rice and other crops will also be given the much-needed boost and inputs to increase its productivity. Government will also be opening lands for production and I invite you to take advantage of our efforts to develop this Region,” Minister Mustapha said.
The Agriculture Minister also told the gathering that the Region is set to take off and will become one of the most important in the country through several Government initiatives, starting with Budget 2020.
Meanwhile, Chairman Armogan urged the regional officials to ensure they work hard to gain the trust of the people.
“I know we argue and debate, but like we did in the past, let us use these engagements to ultimately tend to the needs of the residents of Region Six. We have to ensure we work and re-establish the trust and confidence of the people,” Mr. Armogan said.
The day’s proceedings also saw the nominations and appointments of the heads of several sub-committees within the RDC, such as the Health Committee; the Local Government Committee; the Education Committee; the Tender Board Committee; the National Events Committee; the Youth, Sports and Culture Committee and the Works Committee.
