Holland, Arindell re-elected to Linden Municipality

Carwyn Holland has returned as Mayor of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC ) following the hosting of mayoral elections in the township on Thursday. Deputy Mayor Waneka Arindell was also successful in regaining her post. Apart from Holland nine councillors were present to participate in the voting process which commenced at 09:28h. Holland was nominated by Councillor Elize Benjamin, and seconded by Councillor Derron John.
Councillor Devin Sears was also nominated for the mayoral post by Councillor Fern Mckoy, and seconded by Councillor Lennox Gasper. In total six councillors voted in favour of Holland, with Sears securing two votes. The process also saw Councillor Fern Mckoy moving a motion for secret ballots which was seconded by Gasper however the motion was voted against by the Council.
The motion was moved after the nomination of Councillor Devin Sears.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Waneka Arindell was unopposed, with all nine councillors voting for her to be reappointed.
Following his reappointment Holland expressed gratitude to the Council and during an interview with this newspaper indicated that he was happy the process was a “fair and democratic” one. He noted too that he was happy that local democracy was on full display, referencing that there was also a challenge for Mayorship.
The Mayor said he is also happy since it is also a victory for the coalition A Partnership For National Unity (APNU). He said he will continue to work in unity and along the projection started, to encourage local and foreign investors as well as improve job creation. Holland said he believes the Council will continue to work to bridge gaps and move on with the business of the town, while also expressing optimism in continuing to work with the Deputy Mayor.
Following the voting Councillor Sears said he was grateful that councillors expressed confidence in him, noting that he believes it was not a vindictive move of any sort. The process, he opined, was a smooth and fair one, and he will continue to work and support the Holland-led administration.
Sears said that Arindell was re-elected because councillors believe she has worked to the best of her ability and that she will continue to work in the best interest of Lindeners.
Meanwhile, in contrast, Councillor Gasper shared opposing views on the process. While he commended the nominees, he said the election was led by “coercion, fear, intimidation and threats”. According to him there were a number of threats which went around for councillors to vote for the reappointment of the Mayor. He also noted that the process was more of a political nature than a democratic one.
He also commended Sears for his bravery to accept the nomination that was put forward.
On Thursday, Holland also named himself as Chairman of the Finance Committee, while Arindell will replace Councillor Gasper as Administrative and Legal Affairs Chairman. Wainwright Bethune returns as head of the Environmental Committee, Derrick Collins as head of the Agricultural Committee and Councillor Rawle Friday as Security Chairman.