Region Ten staff raises concerns after employee tests positive for COVID

Several staff members attached to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region Ten are peeved
over what they are claiming is a total disregard for their health. As such, they are demanding that the
Regional Health Officer, Dr. Gregory Harris and the Regional Executive Officer (REO) Dwight John
explain immediately what is happening.
It was revealed that a female employee working at the Regional Procurement Office was reportedly
tested positive for the COVID 19 disease. However, many pointed out that the office is regularly
frequented by persons from the public as many would visit the office with the view of having their
services and or supplies secured by the region. Additionally, recently there were a number of persons
who visited the office considering the recent signing of several contracts by REO John.
The employees stressed that they were only made aware of the employee’s situation when another
employee learnt through medical personnel what had transpired. “To really think about it, it seems
evident that people who are being entrusted to manage this region get sucked in to whatever
corruption and or skullduggery taking place so their focus of putting residents first is no longer a
priority. We learnt that the RHO and REO knew all along about this young lady situation and the fact
that she was in quarantine, but no one saw the need to say anything to us and only when the
information became public that they (Regional Officials ) sought to have the department that she
worked in closed and the other employees in her department sent home,” an evidently upset
employee said.
Another disclosed that the protocol used was disappointing, noting that considering the very
clustered and closed related offices at the RDC, a statement should have been issued, while closing
the entire building because of precautions. The employee said that COVID has resulted in the
government adopting more creative and innovative measures. As such, the staff members can work
from home while the situation was immediately and professionally addressed.
“I can’t believe that they sent home the department and its public knowledge that the staff of other
departments and the department in question intermingles with each other so what sense does this
make. It’s evident that Dr. Gregory Harris after securing the RHO job has become complacent as it's
evident that he isn’t serious about COVID as he is always having house parties on the weekends late
into the nights. We are just disappointed that the new REO has found himself sucked into the general
manner of doing things here at the RDC,” another employee bemoaned.
Several other employees speaking to www.aroundtheregions.com expressed their frustration and
utter disappointment in how the matter was handled and are demanding that there should be an
apology from the REO and the RHO considering the implications of them being aware of the
situation in the region and saying nothing.
“We are demanding answers as this young lady was on quarantine and no one knew and when her
results returned positive everything was done in a hush, hush manner. COVID affects all of us

irrespective of our views. Therefore, we the employees should have been treated with some decency
on knowing what is happening,” several employees said.
www.aroundtheregiin.com sought a response from the REO, Dwight John who confirmed to
www.aroundtheregions.com that indeed the female employee was tested positive. He said that he has
met with the RHO where they are addressing the matter with all urgency. He also confirmed that the
entire RDC was fumigated. “I was informed by the Rho about the young lady’s positive results on
Thursday and immediately several employees opted to go home. We didn't send home anyone or
asked anyone to remain at home. Many persons saw us fumigating the entire RDC building on
Thursday afternoon and I can confirm that the building is safe for staff to return,” the REO said
Meanwhile, several attempts to secure a comment from the RHO were futile. It must be noted that
the RHO in annoyance of a previous article carried by this media house had declared that he will not
speak to this media house. It is not clear if the RHO is holding firm to his threat of refusing to give
information of national and regional interest to the residents of Region Ten and visitors to this
website.