Several city councillors on Monday indicated that they will, if it is necessary, present themselves to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that is currently investigating the administration and operations of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC).
The CoI was listed as an item for discussion at Monday’s statutory council meeting, where Mayor Patricia Chase-Green once again advised the council of a letter sent to Town Clerk Royston King by the Local Government Commission (LGC), which instructed him to proceed on administrative leave to facilitate the inquiry.
The CoI was established by the LGC following myriad complaints about the administration and operations of the M&CC. It began holding public hearings on Monday.
Councillor Oscar Clarke noted that the CoI does not target King alone and pointed out “this has to do with all of us, not just the Town Clerk, but all the officers… all of us are in this….”
Several councillors, including Andrea Marks, indicated that they would participate in the CoI if it is necessary. “I am prepared to go to the box to give my testimony,” Marks said.
“Anyone can be called and anyone is expected to go…,” Chase-Green said to councillors.
Former Chancellor Cecil Kennard is leading the inquiry.
Kennard began receiving evidence at formal hearings at the Critchlow Labour College, situated on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown on Monday.
According to the Terms of Reference set out by the LGC, Kennard is mandated to “Investigate the administration and operations of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown; [investigate] the reason for and the process by which a motion of no confidence on the Town Clerk was dealt with by the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown; and generally to investigate any matter that may be brought to the attention of the Commissioner during the Inquiry that would adversely affect the administration and operation of the Municipality of Georgetown.”
