Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton has renewed calls for the Government to remove the Town Clerk of Linden, Lennox Gasper, contending that Mr. Gasper is not only unfit for the position, but has been working against the interest of the people of Linden since his appointment last November.

During his weekly press conference today, the Opposition Leader accused PPP activist turned Town Clerk of sabotaging the work of the Linden Mayor and Town Council by refusing to sign off on legitimate payments for citizens of Linden.

Norton said by his actions, the Town Clerk is working against the interest of the people of Linden.

“The opposition wishes to condemn the high handed and political partisan approach of the Town Clerk and calls on the government to remove him from office as we express solidarity with the Mayor and Town Council of Linden and the people of Linden,” the Opposition Leader said.

He said the record would show that Gasper was imposed on the people of Linden in November 2023, and was appointed twice for the same position in January, 2024.

Norton said the appointments were highly flawed as Gasper was the only candidate to be interviewed for the position.

“Since this imposition, Gasper has been unwilling to carry out the recommendations, decisions and policies of the Council in keeping with Chapter 28:01 (Local Government Act). His regular walking out of Committee meetings, (Extra Ordinary and Statutory meetings) has shown a pattern of behaviour that is unacceptable and hinders the progress of the Town of Linden. His actions have resulted in frustration and protest action by the people of Linden who have NO CONFIDENCE in Mr. Gasper as Town Clerk,” Norton said.

The Opposition Leader said just recently, in an attempt to register their disgust and frustration over a build up of garbage in the Mackenzie Market, a number of vendors visited the Municipality but were locked out of the Council’s statutory meeting by the Town Clerk.

According to Norton, Gasper only allowed supporters of the Government into the meeting.

“This disregard for people’s Right to freely assemble must be condemned. What is worse, two high ranking police officers (an inspector and sergeant) were invited into the council’s chambers “to bring order” while the Municipality has its own Constabulary. This is another indication of the politicization of the Guyana Police Force and its misuse to trample the rights of the Guyanese people. Clearly, this was an attempt to intimidate residents of Linden and Councillors. They will not be intimidated,” the Opposition Leader made clear.

He said other opposition dominated Municipalities, Regional Democratic Councils and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) are facing the challenges with the Government using Regional Executive Officers, Town Clerks and Overseers to dominate and control those regional and local organs.

He said the trend is unacceptable and needs to come to an end.

The Opposition Leader also called on the Government to appoint members to the Local Government Commission in keeping with the Constitution of Guyana.

Related posts:

Gasper still acting as Town Clerk in Linden; Mayor intends move to the Court Linden Town Clerk position to be advertised as Local Govt. Commission rescinds its unilateral appointment Linden Town Council rejects appointment of PPP activist as new Town Clerk Frustrated Linden Mayor begs for Town Clerk’s removal