PPP/C Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira clashed with Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan on Wednesday evening during consideration of the budget estimates after it was revealed that the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Aranaputa Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) were being paid a stipend despite not being elected via Local Government Elections.
While analysing the budgetary allocations for Region 9, Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo, Opposition Member of Parliament Alister Charlie questioned whether head 6211, which deals with expenses specific to the Agency and has been budgeted approximately $35.4 million was being used for the payment of the Toshoas and senior councillors of the Aranaputa Village. Bulkan conceded and explained that the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman have been budgeted a stipend under the line item.
Teixeira argued that the Aranaputa NDC has been gazetted despite no elections being held by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and questioned who was running the NDC.
