LINDEN Mayor Carwyn Holland and his Deputy, Ms Wanika Arrindel were on Thursday morning re-elected for a second term following elections in the Chamber of the Linden Mayor and Town Council.

Presiding over the elections was Town Clerk (Ag.) Ms Orleena Obermuller, who, after the meeting was called to order at 10.34hrs, cautioned those in attendance that persons will not be allowed to interfere nor participate in the elections, and should remain silent so that the process could proceed smoothly.

Among those present were 13 of the 16 councillors, as well as administrative staff and members of the public. The Town Clerk’s statements came amidst notable police presence outside of the Linden Town Council, as interest in the election was at an all-time high, given the comments that it had engendered leading up to it.

For that matter, word going the rounds is that Councillor Devin Sears, who was nominated by Councillor Fern McCoy and seconded by Councillor Lennox Gasper, was deliberately groomed to oppose Holland for the position of Mayor.

LACKED DEMOCRACY
Both McCoy and Gasper opposed Holland on the grounds that he was not democratic in the way he dealt with certain matters during his previous term in office.

However, Holland, who was nominated by Councillor Elise Benjamin and seconded by Councillor Derron John, prevailed after nominations were closed, winning 6-2.
Notably absent were three councillors, two of whom are currently out of the country. The other, Councillor Rawle Friday, was a ‘No show’.

Sources close to the elections say that Councillor Friday was initially favoured by McCoy and Gasper for the post of mayor, but seeing that he absented himself from the process, they chose Sears instead. Interestingly enough, the Guyana Chronicle subsequently learnt that Sears did not vote for himself.

Meanwhile, before the voting, there was some objection as to the modus operandi, whether it would be by a show of hands or secret ballot. Upon the intervention of the Town Clerk, it was agreed that in accordance with the law, the matter should be put to the vote. In the end, a show of hands won out 7-6.

Mayor Holland, in what could only be regarded as his victory speech, said when the dust had settled:

“To God be the glory! I wish to thank all councillors sitting at the table; I see the support of Council returning me to office, and for them showing confidence in me.

“Thanks to all members of the public for attending this process.” Deputy Mayor Arrindel was returned unopposed.