Newspaper agent Kurt Anthony Wynter was yesterday elected Mayor of New Amsterdam, when the new 14-member council held its first meeting.
Winifred Haywood, a member of the former council and a retired educator, was elected Deputy Mayor.
The other members of the council, who were all sworn in yesterday, are Compton Grant, Sheeanta Lambert, Polliann Schultz, George Tucker, Patricia Lynch, Eusi Smith, William Moore, Angelique Springer, Buster Wright, Elijah Timmers and Sewdat Singh.
Twelve of councillors are from the APNU+AFC slate, while two are from the PPP/C list.
Wynter said he will work towards the restoration of the town, to make it a beautiful and a safe place to reside. He stressed that he is looking forward to working with all of the councillors.
Scores of persons gathered at the Town Hall to witness the swearing in and election of chief citizen, but this was delayed after it was discovered that two councillors had forgotten their identification cards at home. Town Clerk Sharon Alexander, who was the returning officer, informed that persons could not cast votes for Mayor and Deputy if they did not have that vital piece of identification.
Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence, who was present, and former mayor Barbara Pilgrim objected but Alexander held firm. The councillors were able to retrieve their IDs and subsequently voted.
There were two nominees for mayor—Wynter and Haywood. However, Haywood declined the nomination and Wynter was duly elected. Haywood was later shooed in as his deputy, being the only nominee for this post.
Wright was elected chairman of the Finance Committee.
Addressing the council afterwards, Lawrence urged them to always remember that they are there to serve. She stated that the main objective of the council should be to positively address the issues which affect the town.
Region Six Chairman David Armogan, who observed the proceedings, said that he would lend whatever assistance he can through the regional administration.
Outgoing mayor and current Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO) Claude Henry was also present. Henry served as Mayor of New Amsterdam from 2002 until March 31st, 2016.
