Latest update April 17th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jun 30, 2016 Letters
Dear Editor;
Democracy and democratic values are not merely about free and fair elections, winner takes all, ethnic domination, party paramountcy and inflated egos. Rather, the virtues of: Accountability, Constitutionally, Democracy, Inclusivity, Transparency, Parliamentary Procedures and Receptiveness; are all pillars upon which the foundation of good governance is laid. Editor, at least I do believe so. However, constructive criticism must be accepted with the deserved smile and strive towards rectifying the situation. Since self-criticism, is just a phase of appraisal or evaluation.. Nevertheless, the adage of “the ill-effects of democracy allow any misfit to be elected by the will of the majority” may well be true and applicable.
The ongoing turmoil, relating to the parking meter scenario, has resulted in the negatives by far outweighing the positives. The “old brigade” of Her Worship, Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green and Oscar Clarke, a veteran Councillor, have both collectively re-invoked the principle of “large and in charge”. While one of and the only to date, “new kid on the block” Sherod Duncan, is providing a good measure of openness and transparency, and being accountable to the remaining Councillors. But also to his constituents that voted for him which is also important. With this not being primarily of the Coalition- APNU+AFC, the individual groups and the political parties all have “seats around the horse shoe table” that simply cannot be ignored.
Editors, what is most distasteful, are the following:
1)“I have no apologies to make; I am getting like Harmon”, Oscar Clarke. How is he still a member of the M&CC, and not subject to a Disciplinary Hearing?
2)“It’s a shame that some people had to resort to the likes of Google and Wikipedia to search for the address of the company”, Mayor, Chase Green. Did I read and interpret correctly? Is it a crime for one to do this, in the absence of documentation for perusal?
With “old habits” dying hard” albeit, the leopard cannot change his spots. From all indications, it’s hard for the old brigade of Councillors, to change the “big stick diplomacy” and dictatorial method of governance. An important issue as the “parking meter” is rife with secrecy. Suffice it to say that even though the deal/contract was inked, during the life of the previous M&CC administration, the dictates of protocol would entail it’ be placed on the agenda for scrutiny/update, at the first statutory meeting.
Additionally, under Financial Update/Treasurer’s Report, the Councillors would have known of the financial implications. Maybe, Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan should go online, sourcing E-Bay to order copies of “Robert Rules of Law” for all the Councillors, availing each Councillor with a copy on the “Chart on Parliamentary Motions”.
With open-self confession being good for the soul, in erstwhile a timely reminder: “Cde. Oscar Clarke needs to know that the hallowed chambers of the City Hall, isn’t Congress Place-a la Vanessa Kisson”! Is Cde. Clarke a victim of dumb insolence? Since as chairman of the, Finance Committee, within the “Budget of Expenditure” miscellaneous expense would have taken care of monies spent for additional cleaning et.al during the Jubilee celebrations, if any at all, rather, than approaching Central Government, for yet another bailout.
By the way, does the M&CC, have a paid Public Relations Officer (P.R.O) in its employ, if so, who is the individual? Since “autocratic and micromanagement doctrines” by the Town Clerk, have parked the P.R.O, at the Council’s Princess Street location. To brother: Sherwood Duncan, Deputy Mayor, continue the good work, despite the detractors and usurpers of authority. May the Grace of God and the Fellowship, of the Holy Spirit; be with Thee, now and Forever More, through His Only Begotten Son, Jesus the Christ. Personally, thank God, thank the Heavenly Father; thank the “Black Christ” for his words of enlightenment, spiritual awakening and rebirth that my vote went to vote Benschop for Mayor. They are from us, but not of us. Glory be to his name.
Lester Sealey.
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