Dear Editor,

THE circus performance that was recently carried out in the Council’s Chamber at City Hall in Georgetown, which was referred to as the election of mayor and deputy mayor, could have rivalled ‘the Greatest Show on Earth’ put on by the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus.

The only difference is that, at the real circus, one experiences the heart-pounding thrill that comes from watching death-defying feats, majestic animals, and amazing performers in a spectacular live event that will mesmerize the senses and create memories to be shared for generations to come; whilst at City Hall’s circus, one could only be filled with disgust, embarrassment and disappointment, and hope to have the revolting experience removed from one’s memory the minute one has left City Hall.

Watching the Town Clerk strut around in a black funeral director’s suit was sickening, and one could only wonder where he had left his top hat as he carried out his duties as Ringmaster, or should I say Ringleader of the ceremony.

This charade was an affront to democracy, and should have been called a selection rather than an election; as, clearly, the councillors who, due to a lack of confidence and suspicion of each other quickly discharged the option of a secret ballot, were instructed on whom to vote for.

Until and unless the citizens can vote directly for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, the City shall go nowhere. There will always be lobbying, begging and manoeuvring behind the scenes. And there would be no forensic audit.

The door will always be closed to young, bright, outspoken, ambitious persons in favour of old party hacks who can be controlled from the back like a puppet show. The saddest thing is that, after finally getting rid of one monster after 21 years of achieving nothing in our capital, we seem to be grooming another one.

Best regards,
JERMAIN JOHNSON