Kwakwani NDC Councillors sworn in

– Chair, Vice-Chair elected

– empowerment high on Agenda

– Councillors urged to focus on the people

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, November 29, 2018

Following the election for the Chair of the Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council, which was won by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Councillor Elsie McPherson tipped People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Sachie Parvaton eight to four votes for the post.

Receiving eight of the 12 votes for Vice-Chair was Cort Simeon of the Alliance For Change (AFC). The other nominee Juanita Leacock received four votes.

Newly-elected Chair and Vice Chair of the NDC the Kwakwani Elsie McPherson [centre] and Cort Simeon [left], pose with Regional Vice-Chairman Elroy Adolph [right].

The newly elected Councillors of the Kwakwani NDC.

The election process was held, on Thursday, immediately after the 12 Councillors were sworn in, by open ballot. Of the 12 Council Chairs, four went to the APNU, three to the AFC, three to the Independent Group Kwakwani United for Progress (KUFP) and two to the PPP.

The Councillors were urged by Region 10’s Vice-Chairman, Elroy Adolph to focus on the residents rather than on party differences giving the composition of the Council. He further encouraged them to adopt a hands-on approach to resolve issues affecting the residents.

McPherson said she will work “hand-in-hand” with her fellow Councillors to produce results for the residents of Kwakwani and to ensure there is a developmental change in the community. She noted that the work has already begun with the issue of roaming cattle being addressed.

“We want to bring Kwakwani up to a standard we can be proud of. I know that we will also have the backing of the Government and we will be working closely with Central Government to make Kwakwani a better place,” McPherson said.

Vice-Chair, Cort Simeon, who also holds various portfolios in the community, said he will be giving up some of his hats to better serve in his position as Vice- Chairman.

Simeon said that the Council will also be keenly addressing youth empowerment in the community, something that has been on the front burner for a while. Other youth-related issues that the Council plans on tackling are teenage pregnancy, reducing the rates of school dropouts and youth unemployment. Simeon said that Council will also be focusing on improved security with the installation of street lighting.

Story and Images: Vanessa Braithwaite.