Dear Editor,
As I reflect upon statements made during the failed no-confidence motion against me from councillors Patricia Chase-Green, Gwen McGowan-French, CML John, Ranwell Jordan and Junior Garrett, it is difficult to accept declarations that this was not a personal vendetta, if not, then explain the public statements, which were clearly defamatory.
Even as I comment briefly on some of the statements made and hope that a lingering sense of justice, or basic decency will allow them to produce solid evidence, or offer a dignified apology.
First, Councillor Chase-Green sought to implicate me with the old uniform issue, is this an obsession? Let me again set the records straight.
Investigations revealed the following:
a. Metro USA (The Public Safety Products Superstore) of 1950 – NW. 88CT., Miami, FL, 33172 became a registered Corporation in the State of Florida on September 18, 1985. The Corporation was administratively dissolved on November 16, 1998, for failing to file an annual report with State of Florida by the due date.
b. Council received over 70% of the items that were ordered and paid for.
c. Metro USA was recommended as a supplier of high quality Police Uniforms by the Police Department of the City of Miami during a Mayor’s Conference in Miami attended by a Georgetown delegation. The then City Treasurer, Mr. Roderick Edinboro effected the purchase in person in Miami on behalf of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown.
d. Further, the quality of the uniforms was found to be highly satisfactory and outlasted others purchased after.
e. As Mayor, I had nothing to do with the financial and other arrangements beyond being aware of (C) above.
Ammunition
The several memos I’ve sent to the Town Clerk and police seeking an explanation speak for themselves. The then Chief Constable was quite upset that I had pursued this matter. How does that justify a no- confidence in the mayor? It ought to be the reverse.
We heard the mover of the motion refer to the Charlotte Street construction at Rev Gilbert’s property – I’ve waged a one-man campaign to have us deal with this violation to the point where the powers that be got an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to write saying, since they owned the land next door, that they had no objection to the overhanging which was deemed illegal.
As recent as January 19, 2011, a memo was sent by the Mayor to the Town Clerk and copied to the City Engineer as follows: Concerns of property at Charlotte Street. Recall correspondence, visits and verbal reminders dealing with the property in Charlotte Street owned by Mr. Kwame Gilbert- a recent visit to the area shows that the violation is extant I shall be grateful for a written explanation.
Yet, Councillor Chase-Green lists this as a dereliction on the Mayor’s part -truly unbelievable. It was the Mayor who has tried to have this matter dealt with, even facing strong opposition from others within and outside of the Municipality. Again, I should be complimented not condemned on this matter. The councillor is free in this instance to call to see all related correspondence. Yet we hear this is not a personal matter.
Parking Meter Machines
Councillor Chase-Green was not clear in her criticisms but, how or what did I do to deserve condemnation? On more than one occasion, I have explained how we were prevented from settling this arrangement because the Minister had put the project on hold.
Old Smokey
The Town Clerk has given a written explanation; again, what has this to do with Hamilton Green as Mayor
I am not an executive Mayor. Clearly, we did not listen to Councillor Clarke when he referred to our awkward system – a matter which we should all be devoting our energies to deal with. See Mr. Earl John’s letter last week in the media. Councillors Stoute and Andrews drew parallels.
The Bicycle Patrol Squad
Is this baboonery? At least, if I am held responsible for all things this was something we should have been, proud of and to find out why it has floundered – citizens complimented us, so what did the Mayor do wrong on this item raised by Ms. Chase-Green. Was this an inquisition? Or, another instance of tilting at windmills, which means, attacking imaginary enemies. But why?
Councillor C.M.L John was rather diffident in dealing with the real legal constitutional and moral issues. At a higher forum, this matter is already being addressed.
Councillor Garrett in supporting the ‘No Confidence’ against Hamilton Green, made heavy weather of Council’s poor financial management. So it’s neither the Town Clerk, the City Treasurer, poor revenue base, nor Chairman of the Finance Committee to be held responsible, but the Mayor, who for years sought help locally and internationally to stabilize our financial department. So, say how that justifies a ‘No Confidence’ unless the Councillor is investing the Mayor with Divine Authority to be, to know and do things.
Ms. Mc Gowan-French’s contributions were speculations devoid of any fact or substance. She however referred to my letter to the Deputy Mayor; I suppose it is the right of the Deputy Mayor to share my personal and confidential correspondence to him but I stand by every word in my letter, which if the Deputy Mayor deems fit can be shown to all and sundry. I am not in the habit of violating confidences, so if Ms. Mc Gwen Gowan can see my personal and confidential letters to my Deputy, others can.
That letter shows how I held no partisan position as between Messrs Pluck and King. So how does that cause support of a very serious motion, not one of reprimand but ‘No Confidence’ – But did you notice how all of the desk thumping failed to impress other Councillors beyond the quintet. On the weight of the evidence presented, some friends abstained.
Ccuncilior Jordan’s opening salvo was just short of foolishness.
Three members of this group relied on biblical quotes — I am reminded of this one: “not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord! Shall enter into the Kingdom.”
While Councillor Jordan accused the Mayor as he did on television of being a dictator, I recalled how members of the five on more than one occasion chided me for allowing the Deputy Mayor too much scope the behaviour of a dictator?
But is he now a co- conspirator to this plot? I hope not.
I suggest as compulsory reading (a good investment) Barbara Tuchman’s book “A March of Folly” or Cowper’s “Folly is letting down buckets into empty wells and growing old with drawings nothing up.”
At a risk of being tedious, as a member of the Universal Federation of Peace Presiding Council, I plead for us to cling to my shared sentiments as explained in Dialogue and Alliance.
There can be no peace, or progress, without reconciliation, and there can be no reconciliation without forgiveness.
I remain committed to work with you and others for our sake and that of the next generation. I am always open to reason to discuss, love, not hate, for good not evil and for those who never surrender.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green
