Castagne, Ibrahim are Diego aldermen

Two businessmen, both with links to sporting activities, were selected as aldermen for the Diego Martin Regional Corporation yesterday at the swearing-in ceremony for members of the council.

Steve Castagne and Brian Ibrahim were elected as aldermen by the nine councillors who had been all victorious on a PNM ticket in the July 14 Local Government Elections. Castagne is an insurance executive. Ibrahim is the owner of the Fitness Centre located in the Starlight Shopping Centre, Diego Martin. In their personal lives, Castagne is a former national champion in badminton, and once managed national cycling champion, Gene Samuel. Ibrahim described himself as an avid sportsman in a lot of disciplines especially cycling, saying: “I’ve always been involved in sports and there are so many young people in the communities for me to assist in that direction.” Meanwhile Castagne has been tipped as chairman of the council. The nine elected councillors are Nelson Sinnette, Suzanne Hong, Claudia Sheppard, Lyndon George, Irene Hinds, Gail La Touche, Bernard Cropper, Joel Martinez, and Ena Adley.

Minister of Trade and Diego Martin Central MP, Ken Valley, congratulated the five women and four men councillors, advising that their critical mandate was to help the creation of community groups. He hoped the two aldermen could help set up a long-anticipated Western Business Organisation. Minister of Health and Diego Martin East MP, Colm Imbert, praised the duo as two of the area’s top businessmen, saying: “They have a lot to offer the corporation. I’d advise them to learn as much as possible from the councillors and also to get as quickly as into the mode of service.” Imbert disclosed he would soon lobby for a Diego Martin hospital or regional health facility. The ceremony was also addressed by outgoing chairman, Bridgit Annissette-George who described council service as gratifying, fulfilling and enlightening, and was chaired by CEO Ashwin Creed.