Fired REOs move to the High Court

SIX Regional Executive Officers (REOs) whose services were recently terminated by the Ministry of Local Government have now moved to the High Court to challenge their dismissal.

The move against the State was filed by Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade, on behalf of the applicants: Randolph Storm, Region One (Barima- Waini); Denis Jaikarran, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Jennifer Ferreira-Dougall, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Ovid Morrison, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Kim Williams-Stephen, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); and Orrin Gordon, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), in a release issued on Friday has noted that a similar challenge is expected to be filed by Carl Parker of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), when the COVID-19 restrictions permit him to travel to Georgetown.

“The applications are seeking judgement for unfair dismissal on discriminatory and prejudicial grounds, violating the constitutional rights to freedom of political association guaranteed to every citizen,” the APNU said.

On August 11, the former REOs were given their termination letters by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Emil McGarrell.
Asked for a comment at the time, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Nigel Dharamlall had told the Guyana Chronicle: “The ministry lost confidence in their ability to perform. Their deportment was inimical to the effective and efficient functioning of the regions they managed. Moreover, they practised heavy partisan politics; they were void of professionalism and impartiality.”