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PPP spokesperson for the Ministry of Communities Collin Croal on Thursday raised concerns that several Regional Executive Officers (REOs) were not releasing financial reports to the RDCs, thus jeopardizing the effectual performance of the regions.At a People’s Progressive Party press briefing, Croal disclosed that the REOs were exhibiting an insubordinate posture toward the functioning of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). He stated that some of the REOs have refused to present their financial (allotment) reports to the RDCs.Croal said that withholding such crucial information places the RDCs at a disadvantage,Mike Gartner Capitals Jersey, and further impedes them from administering their duties. He said that it was the RDCs that help monitor the implementation of the regional allocations.“The REOs are showing lack of respect for the functioning of the RDC and more so for the Regional Chairpersons and vice-Chairpersons,” he charged,Mark Messier Rangers Jersey, adding that the Opposition is calling for improved working relationship between the REOs and the RDCs.Opposition Chief Whip,Braydon Coburn Lightning Jersey, Gail Teixeira,Eric Fehr Penguins Jersey, saw the situation as a deliberate strategy to withhold information from PPP RDCs. She argued that the position of the REOs was not accidental, and so it was the job of the PPP to expose such skulduggery that may be an attempt to place PPP RDCs in a bad light.She stated that Region Nine REO,Andrew Shaw Canadiens Jersey, Carl Parker,Curtis Joseph Red Wings Jersey, has refused to give a financial report to the RDC, even though they have asked for it many times. She added that information received revealed that the Region has $464M remaining in their budget allocated for projects.“The REO has refused to give them any status report on the capital budget which is about $180M,” she said further,Kevin Hayes Rangers Jersey, noting that the situation in the Region was distasteful.She said what was disturbing is that these monies were allocated for important areas such as education and health.She said that there were reports of shortages in drugs and medical supplies across the Regions while some school children were not in receipt of their school vouchers.Both Teixeira and Croal made an urgent call for the REOs to provide weekly financial reports on various programmes for their respective Regions.Croal,Justin Peters Capitals Jersey, also,Jaromir Jagr Penguins Jersey, highlighted that there is slow implementation of projects and programmes at the RDC level by REOs. He stated that there were cases where procurements were not being carried out, indicating that there seems to be no urgency by the REOs to ensure that projects and programmes are implemented quickly. |
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