Surplus nominations delay Georgetown Chamber polls

The elections to choose a new executive of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) have been delayed due to “unprecedented” interest shown by members in leading the body and which resulted in a surplus of persons being nominated to serve on the special council out of which the new executive is to emerge.

Stabroek News was told that while the elections should have been held on Thursday, the GCCI received more than the required 21 nominees to serve on the council.

There were 30 nominees. As a result, this has forced the body to hold a “run-off,” which is expected to be completed by next Friday. It is expected that within a week the new executive would be elected.

This newspaper understands that a number of major businessmen have voiced an interest in running the body as they were not happy with the direction it has taken in recent times. It is unclear if incumbent GCCI President Clinton Urling has an interest in contesting for the office.

A source told this newspaper that it is not the first time there has been more than 21 persons nominated to the council but it is the first instance in recent times. “It means that there is a lot of interest in the chamber and it is a good thing for the chamber,” a source indicated.

The source added that it could only mean that democracy is at work as it appears as if everyone wants to serve on the council.

The chamber held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday night, where Urling trumpeted the progressive stance taken by its leadership and its membership.