An investigation into how several departments within the Regional Democratic Council (RDC)
Region Ten is expected to get underway shortly. This is according to a senior government
official, who disclosed that a number of persons of ‘interests’ are being looked at during the
investigation.
The official who requested not to be named, said that the complaints from residents and
contractors are enormous, thus warranting an immediate and extensive investigation. It was
disclosed that among the several issues being investigated, includes three registered business
linked to the Regional Procurement Officer, Reyan ‘Randy’ Hall that supplied the region with
varying services, the outgoing Regional Education Officer (REdO), Rabindra Singh, who has
been embroiled in several matters within the education department, the current acting Deputy
Regional Executive Officer, Dollette Powers, whose husband secured contracts and the Assistant
Environmental Officer, Rhonda Howell who is attached to the health department and made
several questionable purchases with many being unable to be accounted for.
The official revealed that among the several issues that are being investigated, involves the
purchase of several household items, equipment and materials, and the ‘misuse’ of monies.
“At this time all we can confirm is that a thorough and full investigation will be done, yes,
several persons are being looked at, but like any investigation it can widen. I do not wish to
comment further other than to say that at the appropriate time information and details on the
investigation will be released,” the government source said.
Pressed further as to whether the police will be called in to assist in the investigation, the official
said; “I do not wish to make further comments on the matter and to even suggest bringing in the
police at this stage is jumping the guns what I do know is that we (Government) will go through
everything and based on the results appropriate decisions would be made,” the official said.
www.aroundtheregions.com has sought interviews with two very senior government officials
who promised to address this and other issues during an exclusive interview later this week. The
region has been faced with a number of contractors and other service providers, leveling
allegations of financial irregularities, corruption and even fraud against senior officials, past and
present.
Some have speculated that the firing of the former REO was mainly his handling of government
funds and the Millie’s Hideout project, where it was reported that millions are unaccounted for.
Further, it is also believed that the former Permanent Secretary, Emile Mc Garrel was also fired
because of what some felt was his inability and unprofessional handling of several matters in
several regions. Many reported that they had spoken to him about numerous issues affecting
them in Region Ten. However, he was quick to disregard and ignore their complaints, thus
failing to bring resolution to the issues.
Last week auditors from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development visited
the region where they visited several ongoing projects with the view of ascertaining and
reviewing the quality and standards of work, including whether procurement and other
regulations were followed. Among the many projects visited included the Linden Dorfolk Home.
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