Two new city councillors sworn-in

There are two new faces on the Georgetown City Council.

Selwyn Smartt, of Team Benschop for Mayor and Khame Prakash Sharma, of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, recently took the oath of office and joined 28 other individuals representing the residents of Georgetown on the council.

Smartt, who was sworn in on Monday, replaces Councillor Salima Bacchus-Hinds, who resigned in September to further her studies overseas. Her resignation also facilitated the planned rotation among party members in the single seat won by Team Benschop for Mayor at the March 18, 2016 local government elections.

Selwyn Smartt (at left) and Khame Prakash Sharma being sworn in as members of the city council
Selwyn Smartt (at left) and Khame Prakash Sharma being sworn in as members of the city council

Mark Benschop, the leader of the party, maintains that the seat won will be shared among at least 10 members of his party. He explained to Stabroek News that the first two individuals will hold the seat for six months, with each of the others holding the seat for three months. The rotation is dependent on each councillor resigning at the end of the allotted time.

Meanwhile, Sharma, who was sworn in on September 26, 2016, replaces Tameshwar Boodhoo, who also resigned from the council to study overseas.