Dear Editor,
Once again, the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown have expressed disgust at the unprecedented unilateral action of Ms Carol Sooba to deduct monies from the allowances of certain councillors for the month of July 2014. The council loathes this action.
The Mayor and Councillors have repeatedly complained about this action by Ms Sooba but the Minister of Local Government, Mr Norman Whittaker, and the government seem to be supporting this illegal action. Ms Sooba whom they imposed on the council as Town Clerk (ag) has no authority or right, under the law, to interfere, in any way, with monies already approved for councillors; her action is unacceptable. Further, the situation at City Hall is restive.
This is affecting councillors―the people’s representatives―in carrying out their functions in relation to citizens in their local communities. Consequently, citizens are unable to effectively participate in the management and governance of their neighbourhoods.
The Mayor and City Council is calling on citizens to take careful note of what is happening in the council, and to raise their voices against this unlawful action that is inhibiting the work of the Mayor and Councillors.
This is happening in the face of the fact that Ms Sooba made a non-priority purchase of a sofa for almost half a million dollars, for her office. This could not be right, fair or just.
The council will now begin legal proceedings against Ms Sooba in the court, to have all the monies deducted restored and for Ms Sooba to cease her illegal action.
Yours faithfully,
Royston King
Mayor and City Council