New Mayors and Deputy Mayors take Oath of Office and reminded to serve without fear or favour

The nine Mayors and their Deputies took their Oath of Office before President David Granger, promising to execute their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill will.

New Mayors and Deputy Mayors take Oath of Office and reminded to serve without fear or favour

Newly elected Mayors and Deputy Mayors for the nine municipalities across Guyana on Wednesday received a Presidential charge, urging them to carry out their functions within the framework of unity where is is no favoritism shown to any one ethnic or social group.

The nine Mayors and their Deputies took their Oath of Office before President David Granger, promising to execute their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill will.

President Granger while delivering brief remarks said he expects that all levels of government (local, regional and central) will work together to ensure the development of the municipalities and the country by extension.

“We are not enemies, we are not fighting each other. You have nothing to fear from central government,” he said.

Mr. Granger said he is dependent on the townships, particularly the newly formed municipalities to drive development across the country.

The governing APNU+AFC coalition administration won five of the nine municipalities while the opposition People’s Progressive Party won three. The two parties tied in the allocation of council seats in the new municipality of Mabaruma but the APNU+AFC picked up the Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions.

“When I swear you in, I don’t see PPP, APNU or independent. I see people who are committed to the development of this country”, the President said.

Guyana has not seen this type of transition in governance at the local level for over 22 years.

“Today is a happy day, not because some people have won and some have lost, not because of victory or defeat but because Guyana is moving forward. Today is not a day for the past but a day for the future. We will celebrate the victory of democracy over dictatorship, we will celebrate the opportunity for the people to elect their representatives… let just never step backward but keep moving forward”, President Granger told the new municipal leaders.

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He said the development of the regions in Guyana must be driven by the engine of strong townships.

The coalition government transformed Bartica, Mabaruma and Lethem into townships after taking office in May 2015.

The other towns are Georgetown, Anna Regina, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, Corriverton and Linden. Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase – Green is the only female Mayor.  However, there are five female Deputy Mayors.

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