Did not offer support for the installation of an IMC in Bartica

Dear Editor,

I would like to respond to the article in last week‘s Sunday Stabroek dated June 3, 2012, on page 19, under the caption ‘Regional Chairman breaks ranks with support for Bartica IMC.’

I wish to categorically state that I did not offer my support for the installation of any IMC over the Bartica NDC, and I was not present at the installation of same, but was invited by the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development to meet and to give a short address to the members of the newly installed IMC.
In my short address, I made it clear, in the presence of the Minister and his team and members of staff of the NDC that I, along with the people of Bartica were disappointed and upset that an IMC was being foisted on the backs of the people, and what they needed was local government reform and local government elections so that the people could elect leaders of their choice.

I did say that as Regional Chairman, I am open to working with all stakeholders for the future and orderly development of Bartica.

I also wish to state that no prior discussions were held with my office as regards the dissolving of the Bartica NDC and the installing of an IMC.

I am sorry I was not available to take your call which may have prevented the printing of such an erroneous article.

Yours faithfully,
Gordon Bradford
Chairman
Region Seven