By Michel Outridge

HUNDREDS of residents turned up on Friday at the Amerindian Hostel Conference Hall in Lethem to witness the swearing-in ceremony of newly-elected Mayor Carlton Beckles, his deputy Maxine Ann Welch, 19, and councillors.The councillors of the Lethem municipality are Ahrenf Landry, Obol McDonald, Kerry Jarvis, Jessica George, and George Henry of the APNU+AFC coalition; and three PPP members: Debra King, John Macedo and Jason Wilson.

The newly-elected Deputy Mayor was ecstatic after being sworn in. She told the Guyana Chronicle that she was taken completely by surprise, but was very happy to be elected and was certain she would not disappoint her fellow councillors.

Welch acknowledged that it is indeed quite a task ahead of her, but feels very confident that she has the support of her colleague councillors from the APNU+AFC, following their successful running for position in the recent Local Government Elections in Region Nine.

The Deputy Mayor told the Guyana Chronicle — via telephone from Lethem — that the ceremony started at 13:00hrs and a large gathering of residents and others turned out to witness the ceremony and lend support.

Welch said it is an honour to be elected to such a position, and she promised to take her responsibilities very seriously. The young Deputy Mayor is eager to work along with the other councillors to develop the community.

Born and raised in Lethem, Welch was employed at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) as an Administrative Assistant.
“I am thankful to God for this opportunity and for making my team victorious, and I would also like to extend words of gratitude to all those persons who voted for us in the LGE, and to my team members for their hard work and dedication,” she said.

Meanwhile, Beckles, a Lethem businessman and the Vice-Chairman for APNU+AFC in Region Nine, told the Guyana Chronicle that he felt very humble to become the elected Mayor.

Beckles said he really wanted the opportunity to execute his plans and vision for the municipality of Lethem, was satisfied at receiving same, and will certainly deliver to the people in terms of the future development of Lethem.