PNM again leads Siparia

He said the SRC is anticipating a successful integration of revised systems into local government and thanked former Local Government Minister, Rennie Dumas, for spearheading reforms and Prime Minister Patrick Manning for creating the Vision 2020 developed country status plan.

“We must work seriously to adjust our outlook on Local Government to cope with the challenges that lie ahead,” said Deokiesingh as he called on councillors to practice discipline, tolerance and production.

Deokiesingh also advised councillors that all work must be done with transparency and credibility in the SRC, where five out of seven councillors are PNM.

Alderman Morena Martin Frederick was also re-elected as vice-chairman after a quick nomination by councillor for Erin and Los Iros, Phillip Salazar, which was seconded by councillor for Apex Fyzabad, Seebaran Santohkie.

Although seats were left at the head table, for Minister of Local Government Hazel Manning, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Cheryl Blackman and Deputy Permanent Secretaries Stephen Creese and Verna Johnson, the three did not attend yesterday’s election. However, former Culture Minister now Ambassador, and Joan Yuille-Williams, was present.

At the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC), one PNM and seven UNC councillors voted to re-elect chairman Dr Allan Sammy and vice-chairman Premchand Sookoo. The PDRC election was witnessed by MP for Fyzabad Chandresh Sharma, Oropuche East MP Mickela Panday and Chairman of the Rio Claro/Mayaro Regional Corporation, Ramlochan Panchoo.