Newly elected Mayors and their Deputies from the 10 municipalities took their oath of office this morning before President Irfaan Ali, as the President noted the importance of local government organs and the work that they should be doing with Central Government.

According to the President, regardless of their political affiliation, the two sides must work together to improve services within the communities and towns across the country.

“I offer a hand of friendship and support to all local government bodies. Central government stands as a partner in development. We are ready to partner with you based on mutual respect, accountability and inclusivity. It is imperative that we collaborate to bolster local governance and ensure better services to our citizens. My government has committed itself to investing in improving the physical infrastructure of towns and villages. I look forward to the birthing of a new era of collaboration between the Central Government and local government bodies,” President Ali told the elected officials.

The President said the municipalities serve as vital components of the local government system and are expected to uphold good governance, provide essential services, and foster thriving communities.

He said citizens rightfully expect positive changes to emerge from the just-concluded local government elections, and the 10 Municipalities, and 70 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) must deliver. 

The President warned the Mayors and Deputy Mayors that failure to deliver on their mandate could lead to detachment from national development and estrangement from the very constituents they represent.

“A fresh approach to governance is now essential, one that aligns with the needs of modern times. Financial accountability, diligence in revenue collection, protection and preservation of public assets, timely and efficient services, greater responsiveness to citizens and an end to internal discord are paramount,” the President said.

Ahead of delivering his charge, the President administered the oath of office to the Mayor of the City of Georgetown Alfred Mentore; Mayor of New Amsterdam, Wainwright McIntosh; Mayor of Linden, Sharma Solomon; Mayor of Corriverton, Imran Amin; Mayor of Rose Hall, Dave Boodhoo; Mayor of Anna Regina Devin Mohan, Mayor of Mabaruma, Trevi Leung; Mayor of Lethem, John Macedo; Mayor of Bartica, Martin Anthony Murray and Mayor of Mahdia Eslyn Romascindo-Hussain.

The Regional Vice Chairman of Region 10, Mark Goring, who replaced the late Douglas Gittens, was also sworn in today by the President.

Gittens died in June 2021 after he was diagnosed and hospitalised with COVID-19.  

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