Guyana: Region 10 Budget Discussions Under Scrutiny Amid Leadership Vacancies

Concerns have been raised regarding the governance situation in Region Ten, as budget consultations for 2027 proceed without a Regional Chairman or Vice Chairman in place. Member of Parliament Dr. Ryan Richards has highlighted what he describes as a governance crisis in the region, noting that the Regional Administration has begun discussions for the upcoming budget while the election of new council leadership remains unresolved.

Richards stated that the Regional Executive Officer has not reconvened the statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to finalize the election of the council’s leadership. He expressed that the situation has escalated, with the administration moving forward with budget consultations without the full participation of the elected RDC.

All 18 councillors of the 10th Regional Democratic Council were elected by the residents of Region Ten and sworn into office following the 2025 Regional Elections. However, Richards pointed out that they are being excluded from a process that directly impacts the region’s development priorities.

Richards emphasized that the RDC is not merely a ceremonial body but a legally responsible organ representing residents at the regional level. He noted that councillors play a crucial role in identifying community needs, examining expenditure proposals, participating in policy discussions, and ensuring public resources are allocated in alignment with residents’ interests.

Excluding elected councillors from the budgetary process, according to Richards, undermines representative democracy and public accountability. He also raised concerns about the former Chairman of the 9th Regional Democratic Council continuing to perform functions despite the swearing-in of new councillors, which raises questions about accountability and representation.

Richards warned that the actions of the former chairman, including inviting stakeholders to submit proposals for the 2027 Regional Budget, create confusion regarding who holds authority in the region. He cautioned that such actions could undermine public confidence in regional governance.

Additionally, Richards noted that the absence of a Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman has practical implications, as statutory committees, including the Regional Disaster Preparedness Committee, cannot be properly constituted. This is particularly concerning given the ongoing flooding affecting residents in Region Ten.

He further stated that the elected council’s inability to oversee the Regional Administration could lead to programs and projects advancing without necessary scrutiny. The lack of a fully functioning council may also compromise the integrity of procurement and tender processes, as elected councillors cannot fulfill their roles in recommending representatives to the Regional Tender Board.

Richards asserted that this situation transcends political parties, focusing instead on the right of Region Ten residents to be governed by democratic institutions operating according to the law. He has called for the relevant authorities to reconvene the RDC meeting urgently to complete the election of the Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman, emphasizing that the rule of law must prevail over administrative convenience.

Source: hgptv.com

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