Acting Region Four REO adopts hands-on approach

Acting Regional Executive Officer (REO) Deryck Persaud is continuing tours of communities in
Demerara/Mahaica (Region Four) to get firsthand knowledge of ongoing projects executed in the
most populous region.
Persaud recently visited Herstelling on the East Bank corridor and held talks with Ms. Prema
Roopnarine, Permanent Secretary (PS) within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional
Development, and officials of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).
During his community visits, Persaud expressed reservations about the quality of the projects
done in Region Four.
“What we have noticed over the years is that several projects and programmes that were
executed were not done at a high standard, thus denying residents the intended benefits and
values. As such, I have undertaken to ensure that the residents get value for money being spent,
and more importantly that taxpayers’ monies are not wasted,” he assured
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The acting REO told NDC officials development scheme must be more efficiently monitored to
ensure beneficiaries are satisfied. He said too that his visits are to ensure improved working
relationships with elected officials scattered through Demerara/Mahaica. His meeting with PS
Roopnarine enabled her to respond to concerns of NDC members.
“The PS engaged the Councillors and also made a number of commitments as she sought to
address a number of outstanding and burning issues. Such a visit is very important as you take
community development to another level in ensuring that residents can benefit from the
provisions and opportunities being created and or implemented for them,” Persaud said.
He continued, “Ms. Roopnarine also assured them of the government's commitment of
continuing to provide needed assistance and support to the NDC.”
The new government has adopted an aggressive approach to project implementation and
monitoring and this will be more evident next year.

He put contractors in the Region on notice
“We are not just issuing contracts as a Region but rather we are ensuring that the contracts issued
are executed at the highest level, while residents will have a greater voice in determining what
they would like to have for their communities,” Persaud declared.