Pandit Ubraj Narine was yesterday re-elected for a second term as Mayor of Georgetown, while Alfred Mentore was similarly returned as Deputy Mayor.
They were both unopposed when the mayoral elections were held yesterday at City Hall.
Just a few minutes after the proceedings for the polls began, Narine, an APNU councillor, was re-elected as the mayor by his fellow councillors from the APNU and AFC, who were clad in their party colors.
When the proceedings were called to order, it was agreed that the decisions were to be taken by a show of hands of those sitting around the horseshoe table. As acting Town Clerk Sherry Jerrick opened the floor for nominations for the post of mayor, Mentore rose and nominated Narine. No other person was nominated. Subsequent to the announcement that Narine was mayor again, there was an uproar as his fellow councilors banged on the table and shouted in support of him.
Narine then took up the Mayor’s seat and chaired the rest of the proceedings for the afternoon. Constituency councillor Denroy Tudor then rose to nominate Mentore for the post of Deputy Mayor. This nomination was seconded and no other person was nominated for the post. Twenty two councillors voted in favour of the nomination, while five abstained. It was then declared that Mentore would take the post of Deputy Mayor again.
Giving brief remarks after the elections process concluded, Narine thanked the councillors and officers for their service throughout the year. He noted that they faced a lot of challenges but also achieved lots of successes as he referenced the clearing of some debts, contract negotiations and the purchase of new equipment. “The year passed but 2020 will be better than 2019,” Narine said as he urged the council to work together for the smooth operation of the city. “Mainly I want to focus on 2020 on projects, especially [the] City Hall building, green spaces, [and] the disposal of garbage. Those are critical areas we need to address and I hope in 2020 we can be able to do it together,” he added, before later noting the need for citizens’ support.
Narine also noted that there are many things that need to be done within the city and some may not get done during his tenure. He mentioned his desire to see a different Stabroek Market area and said he submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Communities and NICIL. He added that they need the “blessing” of central government to go forward with that project, which is set to revamp the Stabroek Market area.
Members of the council’s Finance Committee were also elected yesterday. Councillor Heston Bostwick nominated Oscar Clarke, Trichira Richards, Yvonne Ferguson, Ivelaw Henry, Dawn Stewart and Mentore. However, Mayor Narine then noted that only six persons were nominated and as a result he opened the floor to have another person nominated and one councillor nominated the PPP’s Bishram Kuppen. They were all elected. Councillors Clarke and Henry will serve as Chairman and Vice-Chairman, respectively, of the committee.
Also present at the proceedings was former Mayor Hamilton Green, who congratulated Narine on being re-elected to the post. He then implored the mayor and councillors to do their best so that the New Year can usher in a great era for Guyana. Green said they are charged with responsibility to the capital city of the country and they must carry out their duties with conviction, honesty, courage and purpose.
