DREO (ag) tests positive for COVID

– other RDC employees frightened-

ACTING Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO) Ms. Dollette Powers has tested positive
for COVID-19.
Powers, a Regional Democratic Council (RDC) executive and is also the Principal Assistant
Secretary (PAS) Finance, was among 34 persons from Upper Demerara – Berbice (Region Ten)
who has come down with the contagious and deadly virus.
Ms. Powers has agreed to self-isolate at home, www.aroundtheregions.com was reliably
informed.
So far, more than 160 Guyanese have been killed by the global pandemic first detected here
earlier this year when a returning national died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
(GPHC).
The 34 Region Ten positive cases represent some 75 percent of the total latest national COVID-
19 figures according to official statistics.
This is the third time that multiple employees at this RDC have been tested positive, casting
doubts on the competence and strategy of Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr. Gregory Harris.
Harris has been publicly criticised for his alleged inefficiency and ineffectiveness and was
blamed for the alarming spike of COVID in the mineral-rich but impoverished Region.
“People in the Region refer to him as the ‘party animal’ because he is always seen at some party
or holding a party. That is what he does, hold parties,” an irate community member said.

\“I wouldn’t blame the REO (Regional Executive Officer) much as he is no health expert but
God man are you telling me that the RHO doesn’t understand what we in Region Ten face
with?” the exasperated employee queried rhetorically.
Powers positive COVID-19 status has driven fear in low-level RDC staff working in the bauxite-
mining town of Linden.
“We have a case where some employees have expressed concern as this situation in the Region’s
office but it continues to grow significantly. When persons heard that Ms. Powers was tested
positive, many were shocked and fearful as you know it’s year end and a lot of staff are working
in the accounts department together trying to complete work. As a matter of fact, I would hope
that everyone in that department and or building who would have interacted with them including
workers in the Sub-Treasury department would be quarantined out of precaution,” a senior
official counselled.
Neither RHO Harris or REO Dwight John was available for comment but a medical official
familiar with the issue provide enlightenment.
“Out contract tracing team is already on the ball as we will be testing several other persons who
would have interacted with her (Powers) directly.”
Ms. Vanessa Williams will act as the PAS (Finance) will Powers recovers, this media house
was informed.