The Mayor of Bartica has announced that he will not be contesting Local Government Elections come June 2023 and thinks it’s time for the youth and females to step up.
In a release yesterday, Gifford Marshall reminisced of having been elected in 2016 following the return of Local Government Elections under the Granger-led administration, and, having served as Bartica’s very first mayor. He thanked Barticians for their trust in him at that “critical juncture” and expressed pride in having dedicated seven years to the “great town of Bartica” in this capacity.
He explained that according to the rules governing local government elections, he would not be immediately eligible to return to Mayoral Office. He added that he has also decided against contesting any other positions as he “firmly” believes in passing on the mantle to youth, as well as supporting the increased participation of women in governance.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate all individuals who have offered themselves up for service through the local governance system since this requires courage, and a dedication to excellence. I also encourage every single individual who is eligible to exercise your right to vote. This is not an exercise to be taken lightly as it will have direct and lasting impacts on the development of your communities and your livelihoods,” Marshall said.
Marshall also spoke about entering politics in 2016 and adopting the watchwords, Service, Success, Succession. He noted that together with his team and the “generous” support of the people of Bartica, he had experienced quite a few successes, but opined that it time for him to be succeeded by “fresh blood” that will continue to transform Bartica positively.
He noted that he viewed Bartica as always having had “massive” potential and touched on several of the successes enjoyed by he and his team as they worked together to make Bartica a “green paradise”. These include the West Indian Housing Scheme Green Park, installation of a photovoltaic system at the Town Hall and community centre, upgrade of the Byderabo dump site, installation of hundreds of street lights, transformation of the Bartica municipal market into a green hub, design and construction of green spaces at Caribese Hill, the Bartica peace sign and green space, the mural in 3rd Street, and the design and construction of the Golden Beach boulevard.
Marshall said that his work after being a mayor would be in a different capacity and disclosed that he would soon be launching an “exciting” new initiative, “The Green Town Foundation”. Its focus, he said, is to move towards establishing a new, more sustainable relationship with nature. He promised to be more forthcoming with information as the launch date draws closer.
“I cannot begin to say how humbled I am to have been allowed to serve the people of Bartica. Moreso, I commend the Coalition Administration for firstly making Bartica one of four new towns and secondly, supporting my candidacy during both the 2016 and 2018 Elections. I never took that opportunity for granted and will forever be grateful for the collective support that allowed me to create and be a part of history.”
He also extended commendations to the current administration for its support through subventions programmes and opportunities to network with other municipalities outside of Guyana. He acknowledged the support of his immediate and extended family who he asserted were more than a pillar of strength throughout his tenure in active politics.
“As I exit Mayoral Office, I wish to be remembered as a champion of the environment and the Mayor who served all people regardless of race, political affiliation or socio-economic status. God bless the people of Bartica and the people of Guyana”, he added.
