The ongoing conflict between Mayor Sharma Solomon and Town Clerk Gasper highlights a deeply entrenched dispute over the governance and financial management of the Linden Town Council. This disagreement extends beyond mere procedural interpretations, touching on fundamental issues of accountability and transparency within the council.
At the heart of the dispute is the interpretation of the Municipal and District Councils Act 28:01 and the organisation of Linden Town Week 2024. Mayor Solomon argues that the council’s practices, including the distribution of honorariums, are consistent with established policies and past precedents, as outlined in the Linden Town Week 2023 Report. He maintains that these practices are justified and align with previous years’ procedures. Town Clerk Gasper disputes this interpretation. He raises concerns about the lack of clear, documented policies and the self-authorising nature of the honorarium payments, suggesting that these issues point to potential financial mismanagement and corruption. Gasper emphasises the need for transparency and proper documentation to ensure that all financial transactions are legitimate.