Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jun 09, 2014 News
– Acting Town Clerk
A show down is looming at City Hall with the City Constabulary threatening to deny access into the compound to Sean Hinds, the controversial bodyguard of embattled Acting Town Clerk, Carol Sooba. However, the acting Town Clerk has stated emphatically that neither the City Constabulary nor the Mayor has the authority to prevent Hinds from entering City Hall.
Sooba made this clear last week when information surfaced that at the conclusion of an executive meeting with Constabulary officers, it was decided that Hinds would not be allowed to enter City Hall. The City Constabulary is the only authorized body to provide security services to the Council and its agents. It was however stated that Sooba has the personal right to a bodyguard of choice.
Hinds, who is an ex-policeman was hired by the Town Clerk as her personal bodyguard, after she expressed concerns about her safety and a distrust for the Council’s security section, the City Constabulary.
Sean Hinds has been deemed a character of contention, having faced several charges which include murder and armed robbery among others; but managed to evade them all.
His presence at City Hall became an issue when the Mayor and Councilors expressed security concerns for themselves and those visiting the location.
Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green had stated that visitors to the Council expressed fear when having to pass the gentleman at the foot of the staircase to Sooba’s office, where he is stationed.
The Deputy Mayor had also expressed concerns for the safety of the Municipality’s Treasury Department, which is also in close proximity to where Hinds normally positions himself on a daily basis.
Mayor Hamilton Green on Monday last wrote a letter of concern to City Constabulary Chief, Andrew Foo and Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud expressing concern over Hinds’ presence at the Council. The missive said that the M&CC is not aware of Hinds’ role in the compound and they were not comfortable with his presence. The letter was therefore asked to be taken as a report requiring an investigation into the matter.
An investigation was already underway by the Constabulary, Foo told Kaieteur News. He stated though that caution had to be taken in addressing the matter since the Constabulary works within the confines of the law and it must be established whether Hinds’ is breaking the law; intimidating or threatening anyone before any action could be taken. This he said is despite expressions of concern by the Mayor and Councilors.
Foo declined to comment on whether Hind’s presence in the City Hall compound was compromising the work of the Constabulary.
In a telephone interview with the acting Town Clerk last Thursday, she reiterated fear for her life. When asked, she said the Constabulary is unauthorized to prevent her bodyguard from entering the compound because, “I am the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of this Council and the Constabulary takes directions from me. Each rank has to be sworn in by me,” she reminded.
As it relates to the Mayor and Councilors, Sooba said they too have no authority since, “they are the policymakers and that is their job.”
She went on to challenge anyone wanting to remove Hinds from the compound, “to confront him, and take steps to shoot him if necessary.”
She again expressed no confidence in the City Constabulary, claiming that the Chief Constable Foo has his “divided interest” and hence the need for her choice of personal security.
Sooba described instances where the Mayor and Councilors and their supporters made threats against her life and she could not rely on the protection provided by the Chief Constable.
“If he was competent, he would have done better.”
Local Government Minister Norman Whitaker and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee have expressed concerns over Sooba’s safety. Whittaker noted that, “… the Town Clerk has no confidence in the security provided by the City Constabulary and if she so desires to have her own, then there is nothing stopping her from doing so.”
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