City Hall goings on, example of democracy at work – Minister Trotman
Georgetown, GINA, July 21, 2016
The various issues and challenges facing City Hall and its administration were described as an example of democracy at work, by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman during his post-Cabinet media briefing, today.
The Minister described democracy as “a many-splendored thing” noting that after many years of no local government elections, you are going to find there is confusion. You are going to find ‘today something is said, tomorrow something is done or is not done so all of this or the way I see it is part of the Council finding itself, finding its way and its identity, and going on to do well for the City.”
The Minister stated that Cabinet has already made some pronouncements on issues such as the ‘parking meter matter’ and the Attorney General has completed his report on the contract’s legality for the project.
This report, the Minister added, is to be presented at the next Cabinet meeting, “We see all of this as development of our local democracy. Like the birthing of any process, it is never going to be in textbook fashion. It is never going to be static, it is going to be in fact quite exciting, and we would, where necessary, give guidance.” He emphasised however, that Government would “not intervene and instruct, and take over the process. It has to be allowed to flourish.”
Asked about reports of the Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, being sidelined by other City Hall officials, Minister Trotman noted, from his own past experience as a City Councillor, there was a focus on the Mayor, in terms of facilities.
He said, “I believe that the new era demands that the Deputy Mayor, not just for Georgetown, but all the Deputies, and in fact the Chairmen and Chairpersons of all the Councils be given special facilities.”
The Minister then revealed that Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan will be presenting to Cabinet for consideration, next week, a proposal which will look at facilities across the board, for the councils.