Officials should stick to procedures in order to avoid the potential for the cultivating of corrupt practices and to project a positive image of the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs).

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall made this observation while addressing delegates of a seminar coordinated by that ministry to enlighten and refresh Regional Chairmen, Vice-Chairpersons and Regional Executive Officers (REOs) on their roles, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. The function was held at the Cheddi Jagan Research Institute, Kingston, on Thursday.

The minister noted that the projects and programmes of the RDCs are benefiting from a comprehensive plan by the government to spend over $100 billion in the next five years.

His ministry would receive a substantial sum of approximately $14 billion for regional development.

Availability of funding for government’s programmes has been as a result of the reduction of international debt and credit worthiness of this administration.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony; Minister of Education Shaik Baksh and officials of the ministry made presentations. GINA also reported that the ministry intends to embrace partnership with relevant entities, in order to stimulate more productivity in the social sectors of RDCs.