Mayaro/Rio Claro deadlock again

When no chairman was elected yesterday as there were no clear majority by either side, Local Government Minister, Rennie Dumas, told the media: “There is a level of uncertainity that has descended over the election of the Corporation’s chairman.” With the current deadlock, lots would be drawn on next week Monday, to select a chairman.

The UNC currently controls the chairmanship of the council. But Dumas said that his ministry would consult with the Attorney General Office for advice on the procedure for the election of chairman through the process of lot drawing. Of particular concern, Dumas said, is Section 14 (3) of the Municipal Corporation Act. It states that where there is a tie, the election of a chairman must be presided over by a councillor or alderman who “is not a candidate for the mayor or chairman.”

The Local Government minister said that the AG would be consulted on whether the presiding councillor/alderman would have the power of a deciding vote. Yesterday’s election began with the swearing-in ceremony of the six councillors, which included controversial PNM councillor Dansam Dhansook. He calmly recited his oath of office before a packed council chamber, including UNC deputy political leader, Austin Jack Warner and Oro-pouche MP, Roodal Moonilal.

Dhansook’s accusations of corruption against former Works and Transport Minister, Franklin Khan, and Energy Minister, Eric Williams, resulted in their resignation as cabinet ministers.

Yesterday, he sat between Bereaux and fellow councillor, Fitzroy Ottley. Rumours were that Dhansook’s fall-out with the PNM may have resulted in him voting for a UNC alderman.

Then came the nomination process for the two aldermen which took place by secret ballot. Each councillor submitted the names of two candidates. A nomination board, which was placed to the front of the chamber room, was set up to record the nae of each candidate as well as the votes cast. Four persons — Grace Ramsajan (UNC); Colin Tom (PNM); Avin Moonan, (PNM); Ramlochan Panchoo (UNC/former chairman) were nominated.

A hush descended on the chamber as the votes were called out and tallied on the board with both the PNM and UNC candidates receiving three votes each which represented the equal number of PNM and UNC councillors on both sides.

Given the tie, the council then proceeded to drawing lots to select the two aldermen. Panchoo’s name was pulled first which brought loud cheers and desk-thumping from his UNC supporters.

When Moonan’s name was pulled, there were equally loud cheers from his PNM’s supporters. With one alderman on each side, the corporation’s CEO, Motilal Ramsingh, announced that election for the chairman would take place next Wednesday.