Undemocratic Seizure of City Assets Must Be Challenged

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my profound dismay and outrage at the recent actions of the Central government regarding the seizure of public assets within our city. The unilateral takeover of the City Constabulary Training School and the East Ruimveldt property—both now conspicuously adorned with “No Trespassing” signs—is not merely an administrative overreach; it is a crass, undemocratic, and frankly dictatorial act that strikes at the very heart of local governance.

The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown have rightfully condemned this action. What makes this situation particularly egregious is the complete absence of meaningful consultation. To seize public assets without dialogue, without notice, and without any regard for the elected body that serves the people of this city is an affront to the principles of democracy. It demonstrates a contempt for the rule of law and a disturbing pattern of consolidating power by force rather than by cooperation.

Such behaviour is symptomatic of totalitarian traits, where the machinery of the Central government is used not to serve the people, but to systematically dismantle the autonomy of local democratic institutions. By seizing these facilities—one critical to public safety and the other a community asset—the Central government is sending a chilling message that the will of the people, as expressed through their local representatives, is irrelevant.

However, this assault on our city’s governance will not go unchallenged. Let it be known that the Mayor and City Council is prepared to take decisive legal action to defend these assets and uphold the integrity of the city’s administration. It is imperative that the judiciary stand as a bulwark against this executive overreach.

We call on all right-thinking citizens to condemn this power grab. If the Central government is allowed to seize public property with impunity today, there will be no limit to what they take tomorrow.

Yours faithfully,

Lelon Saul

Lt Col (Ret’d)

Councillor