Lethem council meeting

Dear Editor,

I refer to a letter in the Thursday 13th October edition of the Stabroek News captioned ‘Lethem Mayor evicted two youths from council meeting’.

I found this allegation to be grossly misleading, wicked and mischievous even though the two persons did not find time to pen the letter themselves using their right name.

On the day in question, 6th October, 2016, council held its statutory meeting. At that meeting, on the council’s agenda there was an issue involving one of those persons, Ms. Mary Parker’s query as it relates to non-payment of one month’s salary for the period 18th April, 2016 to the 20th May, 2016. Note that this query from her was after her father wrote the council in the capacity of Regional Executive Officer of Region Nine. At that meeting it was decided that Ms. Parker should write the council herself. Editor, Ms. Parker and her friend came to that meeting with full knowledge that her issue was up for discussion. In addition to that the council has the right to decide if its meeting is a closed door one based on what is up for discussion. Council would have since set up a committee to examine Ms. Parker’s concern since council also is not satisfied with its records of financial accountability. In addition to that, the area where the council keeps its statutory meeting is very small – 20ft × 8ft.

Editor it appears that these individuals are out on a mission against the Mayor of this Municipality. I stand for accountability, transparency, commitment and equality.

Yours faithfully,

Carlton Beckles