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By Mark DaCosta- In a recent turn of events the Local Government Commission has sparked controversy by revealing that, despite the advertised position of Town Clerk drawing attention, only one application was received. The chosen candidate, Lennox Gasper, a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) activist, has raised eyebrows and led to protests questioning the fairness and transparency of the appointment process.
The Council’s acknowledgment of at least six applications for the position contradicts the Commission’s claim of receiving just one application. This discrepancy has ignited concerns among citizens about the integrity of the selection process for the crucial role of Town Clerk within the Mayor and Town Council of Linden.
In response to the revelation, Lindeners gathered in their numbers outside the office of the Local Government Commission in Bel Air. The gathered protesters expressed their discontent through placards and slogans. The protesters emphasised their demand for good governance and accountability, echoing a collective call for transparency in Guyana’s administrative procedures.
The heart of the issue lies in the apparent disparity between the number of applications acknowledged by the municipality and the singular application disclosed by the Local Government Commission. This incongruity not only raises questions about the accuracy of information provided by the Commission but also challenges the principles of fairness and openness that are crucial in any democratic system.
The candidate in question, Lennox Gasper, being affiliated with the PPP, further fuels suspicions of political bias in the appointment process. As an activist of the ruling party, concerns arise regarding the potential influence of political affiliations on the impartiality of the selection process.
The statement released by the Council, expressing awareness of multiple applications, intensifies the skepticism surrounding the commission’s handling of the situation. Citizens fear that such discrepancies may undermine the democratic ideals they hold dear and erode the public’s trust in the institutions responsible for ensuring fair and just governance.
The subsequent protests reflect a growing frustration among Guyanese people who feel their demands for democracy and fairness are falling on deaf ears. Despite the fervent calls for accountability, the PPP government has yet to respond to the concerns raised by the public. This lack of engagement only adds to the perceived disregard for the democratic values that the citizens of Guyana strive to uphold.
The protest slogans, “We need good governance” and “Let accountability reign,” resonate with a desire for a political landscape that prioritises transparency and fairness. The people’s insistence on these fundamental principles serves as a reminder to those in power that the foundation of a stable and just society lies in the trust between the government and its citizens.
As the controversy unfolds, the PPP regime’s perceived silence on the matter raises questions about their commitment to addressing the concerns of the Guyanese people. Ignoring demands for democracy and fairness only deepens the existing mistrust between the government and its citizens, creating a potential rift that may have long-lasting implications for the country’s political landscape.
