Senior Region 5 official endorse call for investigation into Region One RHO

As several health care professionals in Region One continues to come forward with several
harrowing tales and complaints of mistreatment, alleged corruption, acts of victimization and
discrimination, several persons in Region Five are also adding their voice.
A senior Education Official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that the acts being
alleged against the former Regional Health Officer (RHO) who served for a while in Region Five
is not new and has merit. The senior Education Official disclosed that there are numerous cases
of similar acts taking place in Region Five while he served the region as RHO. She however said
that the failure by ‘politicians’ to take appropriate action has resulted in the behaviour of Dr
Steven Cheefoon being fostered in Region One.
“This was a man who boasted about how he twisted the system and got whatever he wanted
because he returned favours to those that sought it and he was unapologetic about it,” the official
said. The woman said that unfortunately many who stood up for honesty and attempted to fight
corruption were victimized and or discriminated against in many ways. She noted that many are
reluctant to speak out, because many thought that the PPP/C agenda in getting into office would
have been to evaluate and address some of these issues that there was clear evidence.
Unfortunately, she said that instead it seems as though certain elements within the PPP have been
embracing some of those persons who were blatantly and openly corrupt under the APNU/AFC.
“You think with all that is going on people will speak out, because it seems that these corrupt
individuals are very close to those who are expected to take action against them and this is
certainly a bad sign for Guyana,” the senior Education Official said.
Asked if she is prepared to come forward with her evidence that she shared with this media
house, www.aroundtheregions.com, the official said that she is reluctant but if she sees serious
and genuine action being taken in having a full investigation she will give hers. She pointed out
that she and others had complained to the then REO, Ovid Morrison who refused to address
several of their concerns. The education officer said that it was only after the issue with Carol
Joseph was made public that the RHO was removed.
“I can understand how the healthcare professionals in Region One are feeling. There were many
similar cases, so I admit that I believe the allegations made by them, because it was the same
toxic, arrogant behaviour that he demonstrated while serving in Region Five. “What I want to
know is if the Minister of Health will continue to allow this man to behave like a ‘mad bull’ or
will he take the bull by its horn. When he was in opposition, he said a lot now let’s see what his
actions will be,” the officer who said that she has reached a saturation point revealed.
“Unfortunately, in Guyana when people complain there is no action, but the authorities only
begin to listen when people begin to protest, and this shouldn’t be the case. Those in authority
very well know that these are not just allegations, but they are coming from everywhere, which
at least warrants an investigation,” the official concluded.