New Mayors in Chaguanas, Sando and Point

Despite facing a criminal charge: Atherley is new Sando Mayor

By RICHARDSON DHALAI

DESPITE facing a criminal charge of ballot-box tampering, which arose in the aftermath of the 2002 General Elections, Ian Atherley, former campaign manager for San Fernando West MP Diane Seukeran, was sworn in yesterday morning as the new Mayor of San Fernando. In a simple swearing-in ceremony at San Fernando City Hall at 10 am yesterday, Atherley, who succeeded outgoing Mayor Gerard Ferreira, was given the ceremonial mayoral chains to wear, signifying his new political post.

Atherley is facing a charge of ballot-box tampering, allegedly committed during voting of Special Electors on October 4, last year at the Fire Services’ South Divisional Headquarters, Mon Repos, San Fernando. The matter is scheduled to come up for hearing tomorrow. Atherley is being represented by attorney Theodore Guerra, SC. However, it was a beaming Atherley who, in his first address as Mayor, pledged to “serve all the people of San Fernando” by transforming the southern city into the “envy of the Caribbean.” In an address that echoed promises made on the campaign trail during the Local Government Election campaign, the former national cyclist also pledged to transform the Skinner Park facilities into the “mecca” of sporting events in the Southland. He revealed that contrary to “propaganda” by the Opposition UNC, the Council was not embarking in “house padding” by acquiring a vacant property at Todd’s Street, but was looking at expanding the adjoining Skinner Park’s recreational facilities through acquisition of the property. In a telephone interview with Newsday, Carol Cuffy-Dowlat said she was not pleased that of the 11 committees and sub-committees Mayor Atherley appointed to look into several community projects in the areas of culture, youth development and sporting facilities, she was not appointed to any.

New Pt Fortin Mayor blanks media after swearing-in

IN HIS first official act as the new Mayor of Pt Fortin, former Petrotrin Manager, St Clair Natha, yesterday bluntly refused to speak to the media moments after his swearing-in at the Pt Fortin Borough Corporation’s Chamber.

Natha — whose appointment as Mayor was in danger of being derailed by irate members of the Point Fortin community, who last week journeyed to Balisier House, Port-of-Spain armed with petitions to protest his nomination — said he would hold a press briefing “at the appropriate time.” However, in his inaugural address, which lasted all of five minutes, Natha said it was not without “humility and not a little bit of trepidation” that he had accepted the position of Mayor. He pointed out that “nothing will be accomplished” without the assistance of everyone in the Borough Corporation. Also taking the oath of office was councillor Marlon Richardson who was sworn-in as Deputy Mayor. Attending the ceremony was Point Fortin MP Larry Achong. Natha replaces outgoing Mayor Francis Bertrand, who served for eight years.

Former diplomat now new Chaguanas Mayor — Suruj Rambachan

By HERMAN ROOP DASS

THE CHAGUANAS Borough, like our country, requires men of courage and determination who are fearless and strong to deliver quality service to the people whom we represent, says the borough’s  new Mayor, Surujrattan Rambachan, former UWI Lecturer in Management, who was elected yesterday.

He told councillors and others present  “I hope to use the vehicle of this borough to create an opportunity for leaders to emerge to take responsibility for the nation.” “We need leaders at all levels in our society, and we should be reminded of the biblical saying which stresses that if you wish to be a leader, you must first be a servant.” The swearing-in ceremony of the new Mayor, Rambachan, and Deputy Mayor, Orlando Nagessar (the outgoing Mayor), took place on the compound of the Corporation and was supervised by the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, William Mark.

It was witnessed by a large gathering including Dr Hamza Rafeeq (UNC MP for Caroni Central), Senator Wade Mark, Senator Arnim Smith and Senator Satish Ramroop, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, as well as members of the Greater Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The borough is now represented by five councillors from the UNC: Orlando Nagessar, (Felicity/Endeavour), Felicia Isahak (Charlieville); Narsingh Rambarran (Cunupia), Joey Samuel (Munroe Road/Caroni Savannah Road) and Gopaul Boodhan (Montrose) and, three Councillors representing the PNM: Ronald Heera (Enterprise South), Bernard Bailey (Edinburgh/Longdenville) and Patricia Baptiste (Enterprise North). The two aldermen are Surujrattan Rambachan and Naidu Powdhar.