They can’t move Coudray at all

The occasion at San Fernando City Hall on Wednesday evening was a farewell function for Clyde Paul, outgoing CEO of the Point Fortin Borough Council. But it turned out to be a virtual gathering of those who sang the praises not of Mr Paul — though he got a few kind words — but of Marlene Coudray, CEO of San Fernando, who is resisting a transfer to Point Fortin to replace Mr Paul. Everyone who is involved in the row was present. Coudray’s common-law husband, Labour Minister Larry Achong; San Fernando Mayor Ian Atherly, PSA president Jennifer-Baptiste Primus, and even calypsonian Cro Cro who hails from Point Fortin.

In speeches, they all hailed Coudray and commented on what has now reached the courts where last week Coudray obtained a High Court injunction to block the transfer. She sued the Statutory Authority Services Commission and named Prime Minister Patrick Manning among persons singling her out for what she claimed was political victimisation. The host was Point Fortin Mayor, St Clair Natta. Coudray introduced herself at the function as the San Fernando City Corporation’s CEO but noted that on the printed programme for the reception, her job title of CEO was left out. Reference was made on the programme to every other person’s job title where relevant. “I see that I’m only listed by name to give the opening remarks, I just want to say I’m still the CEO of the Corporation. Let me welcome you and say that this function was organised by His Worship Mayor Ian Atherly.” This remark prompted Baptiste-Primus, who was seated next to Atherly, to shout out: “And I say so too!”

Atherly put all doubts to rest when, in his opening remarks he referred to Coudray as the CEO. Atherly said: “I see Point Fortin has come to San Fernando. My advice to you is, eat and drink, but leave everything else here in San Fernando.” Baptiste-Primus declared that she was ready to draw the battle line for Coudray’s cause. “Let me send a message of warning. Where my members are concerned, back off. We will fight to the end and leave the rest up to the Judiciary,” the PSA president said. When it was his turn to speak, Achong declared: “It seems we are here to celebrate three events. Paul’s birthday, his demitting office and Ms Coudray’s transfer to Point Fortin.” Even Paul himself, put in a word for Coudray in the form of a prayer: “Oh Lord, protect sister Marlene. Free her from the misguided. Deliver her safely.” Lauman Espinoza, CEO of the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation, made sure he was not left out. In delivering the opening prayer, he said: “Let there be justice and fairness.” However, it was calypsonian  Cro Cro (Weston Rawlins) who crowned off the night’s proceedings with two extempo renditions. The first was a tribute to Paul and in the second rendition, Cro Cro ended with the words: “With Jennifer Primus and Ramlogan (Anand Ramlogan — Coudray’s attorney) on the ball, they can’t move Marlene at all.” Since the issue became public, there have been reports of tension between Prime Minister Patrick Manning and Minister Achong, but this has been denied by both men.