No REO appointed for Region 10

– Government source clarifies

“There is no REO that has been appointed thus far for Region Ten and Ms. Dolette Powers
continues to perform those duties in an acting capacity,” this was the disclosure made by a senior
government source earlier today.
The source was responding to queries from www.aroundtheregions.com as to if Dolette Powers
was confirmed as the Regional Executive Officer (REO) for Region Ten. Shortly after the PPPC
took office, seven of the ten REOs were fired including Region Ten. However, some weeks after,
six new REOs were appointed with the government promising to name a substantive REO for
Region Ten shortly. However, with Ms. Powers acting in the position it was felt by some that she
was confirmed when the region received an official visit from two Government Ministers last
Friday from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. However, the source
said that while the Minister addressed her as REO, he had explained during his presentation at
the Watooka Guest house, where he met with Regional and Admin related staff that it was for the
purpose of the meeting.
Minister Dharamlall was at the time urging the administrative staff at the RDC to ensure that
they collaborate and provide the high level of service that is expected of them. He had ventured
to urge the acting REO that he expects her to be very professional, reminding that she reports to
him as the Minster. As such, he said that he will not allow the work of the RDC to be politically
interfered with.
“We have to improve the lives of the people in this region. I would like to urge the acting
REO…I will call you REO in the meantime,” Minister Dharamlall had said.
However, the source said that many persons misinterpreted the Minister’s comments as ensuring
that Ms. Powers was informed. “Many interpreted the Minister’s comments as a confirmation
that Ms. Powers is the REO, however this isn’t the case and she is still acting in that capacity but
not confirmed,” the source said.
The government official stressed that at the appropriate time the substantiative REO would be
appointed. “When the substantiative REO is named the residents would be duly informed but for
now Ms. Powers will continue to be the acting REO,” the source stressed.
Minister of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill in responding to a question as to the naming of a
REO, said that the region continues to perform at a very high standard as it doesn’t lack human
resource capacity. Responding to when a REO will be confirmed, Minister Edghill said, “The
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development is responsible for naming and
confirming the REO. I am sure that when he is satisfied that an identified candidate that meets all
of what he is looking for, that person would be named. However, let me say that the acting REO
and the rest of the team is doing a good job, despite a REO has not been confirmed as yet and the
people of this region should know that in due time they would be told of who the REO is,” he
had said.