Retired Community Health Worker alleging abuse

A retired Community Health Worker from Region One is alleging that the current Regional
Health Officer, Dr Steven Cheefoon has been abusing his powers as the RHO.
Derick Roberts who served the people of Region One for several years as a Community Health
Worker and who is still consulted by residents on several health issues made this and other
allegations recently. He is demanding the immediate removal of the RHO promising that he will
mount a protest until the regional authorities act on removing the controversial RHO.
The retired CHW worked at the St Anslems Health Centre for several years. Derick disclosed
that a recent incident involving his son has not only left him and other family members
distraught, but extremely disappointed and hurt. He related that his son, Daniel Roberts who has
been working as a Community Health Worker for the past two plus years was recently informed
that he should write explaining why he shouldn’t be dismissed. This, he said is because the RHO
is under the impression that his son has failed to report for duties for the past three months.
Roberts dismissed this as inaccurate, disclosing that the RHO and Medex Lorraine Jilks who
supervises his son knows this isn’t true.
The elder Roberts told www.aroundtheregions.com that his son recently recovered from COVID
19. He related that after being in quarantine at least twice, his son’s test results returned positive
along with 16 other family members.
“Some months ago, he was working exceptionally hard in two communities that the RHO sent
him in and after he began feeling unwell with mild symptoms, he was advised to quarantine.
After quarantining he was further asked to go on home isolation for two weeks because his
condition had worsened. Shortly after he completed the two weeks home isolation, his
grandfather and other family members were tested positive. Daniel had close contact and was
tested, his test results returned positive. He was isolated at the Fire Station, which is being used
as an isolation centre. “I don’t understand what the RHO’s problem as my son’s health is very
important to me and those that he interacts with,” an angry Derick Roberts related.
Derick said that it was only recently after completing the stipulated ten days at the isolation
facility that his son was allowed to leave, noting that he still has concerns over his son’s health
considering the impact that the disease had upon him. He said that the Medex instructed his son
to operate from the Mabaruma hospital. He disclosed that last Friday his son was summoned to a
meeting involving the RHO and the REO and was asked to write a letter explaining his ‘absence’
for three months and why he shouldn’t be dismissed. The father firmly believes that the situation
demonstrates that there is a grave communication problem. He said it’s hard to believe that
despite all that transpired and what his son went through  , Daniel is being accused of missing
work for the past three months.
“The Minister of Health and others needs to visit this region ASAP, as there is a lot that isn’t
right. I am prepared to protest until my son's matter is resolved, because this is advantage,” he
argued.

Contacted on the matter, Medex Lorraine Jilks said that the issue is being addressed. Pressed
further, she said that the young man had indeed worked. She revealed that she is aware of the
situation, adding that she finds it disheartening that the RHO would threaten to dismiss the young
CHW without consulting or verifying with her first.
“I am aware of Daniel’s situation as he has been a very good worker. As his supervisor, I have
no need to lie for him. I have no issues with seeing persons being disciplined but I have concerns
of taking action against someone who doesn’t warrant such actions,” she reasoned.
Attempts by www.aroundtheregions.com to contact the RHO, Dr Steven Cheefoon proved futile.