Dear Editor,
GOD shall forever be the centre of who I am and where I am going. Barticians, today I speak from a heart full of joy as I try my best to summarize the extraordinary emotions that have been mine since March 18th, 2016.There is no doubt that I am in awe at the realization that God would select me to bear this sacred cup. I have always known that there was a purpose destined for me that was bigger than my comprehension. Now, as I reflect on all that He has made possible, and the mind-perplexing ways in which He has shaped the victory and the path thereto, I must admit that for these I shall remain subjected to Him, and forever humbled by the knowledge that favour from Him clothes me daily.

HONOURED
There are no clear passages wide enough for the amount of appreciation I have for you Barticians, for your resounding confidence in my leadership. Your reasoning, resilience and irrefutable courage during the LGE campaign season painted clearly for me and the team a picture of true unity and love for community.

You have placed your trust in us, and this isn’t something we take lightly. Rather, we view it as a charge to us to epitomize superior leadership through securing an improved life for ALL Barticians.

Further, I cannot represent adequately enough the profound gratitude I have for our dear President, His Excellency David A. Granger, and by extension all Ministers of Government, for breaking the chains of corruption and liberating again the people of Guyana.

Further, I am extremely grateful to the team of men and women with whom I am privileged to work, a team which personifies INTEGRITY. To my right-hand motivator, mountain mover and your newly installed Deputy Mayor, Kamal Persaud, I tip my hat in honour for all that we have accomplished so far through your commitment and hard work.

To the men and women of the first Council of the Municipality of Bartica, your names shall be recorded in history on account of your sterling dedication and pledge to lead Bartica forward into a season of transformation.
Last but not least, deepest of gratitude is felt for my God-given help meet, Afesha Marshall, whose support throughout this season is of unmatched measure. The Bible reminds us that he who finds a wife finds a good thing, and for the blessings of her presence and support I’ll be forever grateful.

Bartica, I do not take lightly the task before me, nor will I ever forget the force that propels me, this being my love for Bartica. Further, never shall I revel alone in the glory that belongs to each of us.

HEADED FORWARD
I haven’t looked back long enough to glance at the state of those who opposed progress. I have instead looked upward for direction, and forward towards ‘greener’ living. Bartica is moving briskly towards long overdue glory.

I cannot overemphasize the need for us all to look forward to all that needs to be done. In many instances, the areas of need seem to require Herculean efforts, but let us stand encouraged as we accept that no task is too difficult for a unified people to accomplish.

I am headed forward. Your Town Council is headed forward. You, my fellow Barticians, must all seek to be on board with this movement. We welcome your concerns, criticisms and recommendations. We will not be held back by political inferences, divisive words or power struggles. Instead, we forge forward totally devoted to creating a Green Bartica; a sustainable, resilient, clean and beautiful Bartica. Bartica: the first Green Model Town of Guyana.

Humbly,
GIFFORD MARSHALL
Mayor,
Municipality of Bartica