Nine newly elected Regional Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons took their Oath of Office on Thursday afternoon at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, officially beginning their tenures as heads of their respective Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs). Region Ten is still to elect both its Chairperson and Vice Chair.
The Oaths were administered before President Dr Irfaan Ali. Following this activity, President Ali addressed the ceremony and said the event represents more than a constitutional requirement but a renewal of the “democratic covenant between the elected and the electorate.”
The President underscored the vital role of RDCs, describing them as the second tier of government and “a critical and indispensable link between central administration and local communities.”
With mandates that cover public services such as health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, recreation and broader community development, RDCs, the Head of State said RDCs are expected to function as engines of regional development.
Dr Ali urged the new regional heads to embrace a more responsive, innovative and proactive style of governance.
“Within the powers vested in you, I expect RDCs to become more proactive. I expect you to intervene early, not after a problem has grown. I expect you to innovate, not imitate,” he said.
The President appealed for unity and collaboration and further stressed that citizens expect leadership that delivers tangible results.
“Our citizens are weary of long waits, slow responses and delayed interventions, they want faster action when problem arise, they want visible improvement in their communities and they have every right to expect these things and this must be done consistently,” President Ali urged.
He announced that in the coming days, the government will outline new plans and initiatives aimed at further empowering workers at the community level, including those in Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), RDCs and other community-based bodies.
The chairpersons who took the Oath before President Ali are:
Region 1 – Brentnol Ashley
Region 2 – Devin Mohan
Region 3 – Sheik Ayube
Region 4 – Clemsford Belgrave
Region 5 – Ricardo Phillips
Region 6 – Junior Basant
Region 7 – June Shurland Gittens
Region 8 – Tarcellia John
Region 9 – Vania Albert
The Vice Chairpersons who took the Oath before President Ali are:
Region 1 – Paul Pierre
Region 2 – Humace Odit
Region 3 – Anjainie Narine
Region 4 – Deoraj Nauth
Region 5 – Leon Lindie
Region 6 – Wajeed Khan
Region 7 – Alden Marshall
Region 8 – Samantha John
Region 9 – Daniel Aguilar
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