Dear Editor,
I read a letter in your December 30, 2022 edition captioned `Better Hope/LBI is one of the best functioning NDCs’ written by Mustafaa Azimullah.
After reading that letter, I was intrigued by the information provided by the writer, and as a resident of the community of Better Hope, I decided to do my own research and investigation.
From my research, the writer was factual as I learnt the public can attend the statutory meetings of the NDC and the minutes are indeed posted on the notice board of the NDC. I personally was of the conviction that the Overseer had full authority in making decisions for the NDC, but I am now guided differently.
My perusal of the few minutes of meetings posted on the NDC’s notice board and those that was loaned to me by a Councillor, revealed unbelievable information, just to list a few as follows: –
– Meetings are adjourned or concluded just after reading minutes from the previous meeting because of dissatisfaction by the Councillors.
– Chairman’s highhanded/unilateral decision-making policy.
– dissenting views expressed by the Chairman of the NDC as opposed to those of a majority of the Councilors.
– Investigation into an application for a Liquor Restaurant Licence which only the Chairman has knowledge of.
– Allegedly, a council member’s wife received a contract from the NDC which is considered a conflict of interest.
– the NDC’s inability to execute projects and pay remuneration to staff because of bankruptcy.
– The Chairman is adamant in pursuing the dismissal of the Overseer.
Editor, to the best of my comprehension, the majority of Councillors have disputes on the management style of the Chairman, and I am of the firm belief that people in higher office ought to be aware of what is taking place at the Better Hope/LBI NDC.
An in-depth inquiry into the possible motives of the chairman would be paramount at this time, and I am optimistic that the Minister of Local Government & Regional Development would facilitate the same.
Yours truly,
(Name and address provided)
