By Abigail Headley
Dawn Stewart, a practising Clinical Psychologist is one of the three candidates in the running to represent Constituency 8 (Stabroek – Wortmanville/ Werk-en-Rust) in tomorrow’s Local Government Elections (LGE).
Stewart currently sits on the council as part of the APNU ticket.
Stabroek News had a chat with the part-time University of Guyana Lecturer, who is now a member of the Independent Citizens for Progress (ICP).
According to Stewart, she has lived in Wortmanville for several years and her experience as a city council member has taught her that a lot of positive changes can be made at the local level.
“I see the impact I have made every day, whether it’s having an NGO in the community for all residents to enjoy or ensuring lights in the community. I also get to interact daily with the people who benefit from the work we’re doing so I feel I am always connected to the purpose of public service,” she said.
Stewart related that, as a homeowner and a parent, her desire is to keep her community a “great place to raise a family and live”. She added that her experience in advocacy and community service is key in making her an effective city council member and, “I will work hard and make sure your voice is heard”.
Whilst serving as a council member, Stewart has had the opportunity, with the help of residents, to advocate for the issues affecting them. Not only that, but she noted that she has also been able to pursue causes that she is passionate about as well as learn from others so as to develop strategies to improve the city.
When asked about her intentions, should she be elected as councillor on June 12, the 68-year-old businesswoman said, “I intend to work with the other councillors, the community and central government to address the issues in our community to improve our standard of living in the city for all”.
She noted, however, that she cannot do this alone but there must be a partnership of all the stakeholders.
“I would tell the voters to review the history of the work I have done and will continue to do to improve the lives of all the persons in and around the city and a larger benefit to the country in general. The key I believe is service, advocacy and working in partnerships,” she encouraged.
This newspaper also caught up with People’s Progressive Party / Civic (PPP/C) Candidate for Constituency 8, Audwin Ashby. He said that it was his desire to make a positive impact and a difference in his community which caused him to run for office.
“I strongly believe we must become the change we wish to see in our community and society,” the first-time participant stated. According to Ashby, the people of Georgetown would have seen that the PPP/C has a list of candidates that reflects a diverse ethnic group of young professionals, such as accountants, radio commentators, nurses, carpenters, cricketers, footballers, among others. This, he noted, “brings new leadership and fresh ideals to the table that will improve transparency and accountability to leadership of City Hall which would aid in the capacity and representation and advocacy for all Georgetown”.
The 36-year-old added that the residents of Georgetown can rest assured that the new PPP/C-led Council will restore and rehabilitate all roads, streetlights, and playgrounds and provide better solid waste management for Georgetown, while at the same time supporting youth empowerment and skills-training in all the constituencies of Georgetown and across all 8 Local Government Areas.
“For the past 57 years, the PNC/APNU/AFC Councillors of City Hall have failed the residents of Stabroek-Wortmanville and the residents of Georgetown… On the 12th of June, 2023, the residents of Georgetown have to make history by electing a new PPP/C-led City Council,” he said.
The third Candidate, Gregory Fraser of A Partnership for National Unity was unavailable for an interview at the time when he was contacted.
