Proactive, people-centered leadership urged as RDC Chairs take Oath of Office

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