…several motions tabled ahead of today’s no-confidence vote
The no-confidence motion against Town Clerk Royston King is expected to go forward as planned for today, but it will be met by two motions from other Councillors, including one aimed directly at Councillor Sherod Duncan, the man behind the no-confidence vote.
This particular motion, which was seen by Guyana Times, is being moved by Councillor Heston Bostwick and seconded by People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Councillor Monica Thomas. According to the particulars of the motion, they are seeking to have Duncan brought before a special disciplinary committee.
Citing the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01 Standing Orders, the duo in their motion accused Duncan of circulating copies of his planned no-confidence motion against King to the media.
According to the particulars of the motion, Duncan must show cause within 14 days why he should not appear before such a committee to give account for “unethical behaviour”. It further states that “the Council repudiates and frowns upon the unethical action of (Duncan), which appears to have been calculated to affect the image and reputation of the Council”.
The Councillors went on to claim in their motion that Duncan’s alleged action was calculated “to instigate public ridicule against the Town Clerk and the Council”, among other things.
In addition to the disciplinary committee, which they want to be formed by the Council, the duo also called for the Standing Orders to be strictly enforced against all Councillors.
Secret ballot
Meanwhile, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillors Bishram Kuppen and Khame Sharma are also moving a motion to have the no-confidence vote against King done by secret ballot. The motion states “whereas a no-confidence motion filed against (King), this motion calls for the procedure in voting on the motion by (Duncan) to be done by secret ballot.”
Secret ballots are designed to remove fear of reprisal from those who may vote against someone of influence.
The no-confidence motion stated that King acted outside the interests of the citizens of Georgetown and showed gross disrespect for the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chap 28:01. Duncan cited several instances of the Town Clerk disregarding Chap 28:01.
“The removal of the vendors from the Stabroek Market and Robb Street environs in 2016/2017 without the authorisation of Council, which action brought great distress and hardship on said vendors and which situation saw Central Government intervening, reiterating that vendors ought to be treated with sensitivity; President David Granger describing the latter action as ‘reckless’,” the motion stated.
Additionally, the document identified the issues that stemmed from the controversial parking meter project outlining procurement issues and Government’s response.
“Councillors have made several enquiries/requests of the Town Clerk for specific information relating to the business of Council and have no responses; in particular, Councillor Gregory Fraser’s request for the minutes showing where the former Council is alleged to have agreed to the metered parking system for Georgetown,” the motion added.
Unilateral decision
The implementation of container fees and the subsequent unilateral decision to block certain businesses for failing to comply; failure to account for $300 million allocated for the Georgetown Restoration Programme resulting in the Auditor General announcing a forensic audit of the city’s books; disrespect for the tendering process; non-payment of contractors and the inaccuracy in the financial reporting were all reasons that led to Duncan submitting the motion and fellow [Alliance For Change] AFC Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Lionel Jaikaran seconding it.
“[AND WHEREAS] the general welfare of workers of the City Council continues to diminish under the tenure of the Town Clerk due to the chronic late payments of wages and salaries and other benefits, while deduction of monies from workers’ pay for NIS, PAYE, etc, continue, but which are not transmitted to the relevant agencies… the Town Clerk unilaterally entered into an agreement with the company Impressions for the lease of numerous billboards and spaces said billboards occupied, without the authorisation of Council, and which issue caused the Minister of Infrastructure, Honourable David Patterson to write to the Town Clerk to correct,” Duncan said in his motion.
Bel Air Playground
In addition, the issue of the leasing of the Farnum Play Ground and the conversion of the Bel Air Playground area; the awarding of contracts without Council’s knowledge and the gross disrespect meted out to Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan were all raised.
“NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council hereby moves and declares a vote of no confidence in Town Clerk Royston King,” the motion concluded.
Over the past months, dissatisfaction with King’s performance has grown and pressure has mounted for his removal since the hierarchy of the PNCR has expressed no confidence in his ability to function.
