DREO maintains Region’s position, Regional Vice Chair refuses to comply

A major situation continues to brew at the Regional Democratic Council Region Four. This is
after the Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO), Deryck Persaud, who is acting in the
capacity of REO issued a letter to the Regional Vice Chairman, Samuel Sandy. The letter signed
by Persaud and seen by this media house, www.aroundtheregions.com, Persaud wrote Sandy
informing him that the vehicle PVV 2895 that was being used by the RVC’s office is being
assigned. However, this course of action didn’t sit well with Sandy who sent a lengthy missive
making several accusations against the DREO.
Sandy alleged that Minister Dharamlall informed him that he had never issued such instructions
and that the Regional Vice chairman should ‘deal’ with the DREO. However, sources close to
the Minister said that the minister never had such a conversation with Sandy and it’s clear that he
has lied about the incident.

Sandy had stated further in his letter that he has no intentions of returning the vehicle. He further
told the DREO, that he has no such authority, warning that the matter will be dealt with at the
level of the Council.
Speaking to Persaud, he related to this media house that he clearly indicated to the Regional Vice
Chairman about a decision that was taken to reassign the vehicle.
“I informed the Regional Vice chairman about a decision to reassign the vehicle and even said
that when we can, the office will help. Mr. Sandy enquired if this was  a decision that was taken
in all the regions and I told him that I don’t know but he ventured into something else with his
letter and sought to politicize the matter,” the DREO said.
Persaud noted that contrary to the beliefs of the Regional Vice Chairman he has and continues to
operate professionally and ethically as a public servant. He stated further that making the issue
into a political one will not bring development to a region that both the Regional Vice
Chairman’s office and the RDC administration should be collectively working towards.
“The Vice Chairman wants to make this a political issue but I have my job to do and will
continue to do it irrespective of what some persons may want to think I will continue to execute
my responsibilities professionally,” the DREO declared.
The issue which continues to gain significant traction on facebook, has seen several persons
commenting. Urmia Johnsen in her comment warned the Vice Chairman to take a more
professional approach to the situation. “Mr. Sandy, Vice Chairman should use professional
language so that the DREO has no authority to reassign the Vice Chairman’s vehicle.  He must
be careful, and write letters in a professional style, and use language which is professional.”
Johnson added, “The word prejudice is difficult to prove and cannot be easily proven at an
administrivia level, even though it may be true.”

Former Regional Chairman, Genevieve Allen said, “The vehicle in reference was budgeted for
the office of the Regional Vice Chairman as was passed by the National Assembly, hence it
remains under the purview of the Regional Vice Chairman.”
Attempts by this media house to solicit a comment from the Minister, Nigel Dharamlall proved
futile as despite numerous calls to his office and cell phones he was not reachable.