Adams, Gittens elected Chair, Vice Chair of Region 10 …Councillors divided on open ballot

Eighteen Councilors representing the APNU/AFC and PPPC were sworn in earlier today to serve Region Ten in its ninth council.

Representing the APNUAF were 15 councillors, while the remaining three were sworn in on behalf of the PPPC.

Immediately after being sworn in as councillors, elections for the Regional Chairman and Regional Vice Chairman was held. AFC’s Norris King suggested that there should be secret ballots in selecting both the Regional Chairman and Vice-Chairman, however, Deron Adams in opposing spoke about transparency and openness. He said that he would like the election of these two key positions to be done via open ballot. There was much debate on the issues with Douglas Gittens, stressing that the motion by Mr King was not seconded. However, Clerk of the Council, acting Regional Executive Officer Dollette Powers told those in attendance that both motions were properly carried, and a vote will decide which of the two is used.

Three voted in favour of King’s motion, while more voted in favour of Adams’ motion. Adams was the only nomination for Regional Chairman. He was elected unopposed by those in attendance.

Immediately after, the nominations for the post of Regional Vice-Chairman was held and after being nominated for the post, Norris King declined. As such Douglas Gittens was nominated and elected like Adams unopposed.

After the election of Adams and Gittens, there was much celebration by fellow councillors and from several in attendance. Adams in his speech promised to work very hard, while thanking family friends and his party for entrusting such trust and confidence in him he promised to continue the excellent work of his predecessors, thus ensuring that the Region can continue on the path of development.

“I am humbled and happy as we are on this new road here. Together we will do wonders in the region, as we transform the region for our people. I would like to thank God first of all for allowing me this opportunity to be here in the land of the living. I would also like to thank the leadership of the APNUAFC, for allowing my name and on behalf of all the councillors representing APNUAFC, for allowing our names to be included and shortlisted on the regional list, we are very grateful,” Adams said in his first speech to the Council.

The elected Regional Chairman spoke about the socio and economic initiatives that his council will address during their tenure. He stressed that planning is important, promising that at the level of the Council they will do so properly to ensure that the residents benefit significantly from every initiative and or programme

Adams in thanking Councilors for their vote of trust and confidence promised to build on the work that was done by his predecessors. He vowed to engage every stakeholder in the building and continued development of Linden. Adams stressed that he is committed and dedicated to serving and intends to do such with great professionalism.

Some of those attending the swearing-in was Amna Ally, Mayor of Linden, Deputy Mayor, other senior officials of the Georgetown City and Town Council and the Mayor and Town Council of Linden, senior Regional Government and Police officials within the region along with the region’s two Members of Parliament in Jermaine Figueira and Devine Sears.

Meanwhile, Minister Juan Edghill who was present for the swearing-in congratulated both Adams and Gittens urging them to serve the people of Region Ten irrespective of political persuasion. He reminded them that in a few days the Facebook excitement would be over, but every move that they make would be under the microscope of the public.