By Mark DaCosta- In a forceful statement issued on September 18, 2026, former Linden Mayor and sitting Member of Parliament K. Sharma Solomon called for an urgent investigation into Town Clerk Lennox Gasper, accusing him of allegedly misrepresenting a decision of the Linden Town Council and bypassing established municipal procedures. Solomon’s concerns strike at the heart of local governance, raising questions about whether an administrative officer exceeded his authority, represented the Council without a properly authorised decision, and compromised the integrity of the municipality’s dealings with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).
The controversy arose following an exchange between Solomon and the CH&PA regarding correspondence from Gasper dated August 14, 2026. In that correspondence, Gasper supposedly indicated that the Town Council had decided to appoint him as Solomon’s replacement on the CH&PA Board during a statutory meeting on August 5. However, Solomon’s statement refutes this claim, asserting that no formal decision was made. He emphasised, “[the correspondence sent to the Board by Gasper] is not only a misrepresentation of Council decision that was never properly made, but a flat lie.”
This issue raises alarms not just about Gasper’s alleged misrepresentations but also about broader governance processes within the municipality. Solomon noted that the Town Clerk had unilaterally responded to correspondence from the CH&PA dated July 8 without placing it before the council for discussion. This action could set a troubling precedent, allowing an administrative officer to bypass the elected representatives of the people. Solomon remarked on the implications of such actions, stating, “The procedure for appointing a Council representative should not be determined by the unilateral action of an administrative officer.”
Solomon’s concerns extend to how building and development applications are managed in Linden. He pointed out that the Town Clerk’s previous behaviour, characterised by numerous walk-outs and failures to attend committee meetings, has caused significant delays in processing housing and development matters. “It is particularly important that there be a clear separation between the administrative officer responsible for processing municipal matters and any representative who participates in an external authority,” Solomon stressed, highlighting the need for transparency and integrity in local governance.
After the interventions from Solomon, the CH&PA responded by retracting Gasper’s correspondence and calling for the Linden Town Council to undertake proper procedures for appointing its representative. This situation underscores the necessity for the council to scrutinise the processes followed by Gasper and clarify who authorised his communications with the CH&PA.
In advocating for an investigation, Solomon proposed that the inquiry examine the CH&PA’s correspondence, Gasper’s responses, and the official minutes from the August 5 meeting. He called for accountability, asserting, “Once an investigation establishes that the Town Clerk knowingly lied, misrepresented a decision of Council… formal disciplinary proceedings should follow without delay.”
The implications of this controversy resonate beyond the immediate individuals involved. It raises fundamental questions about the governing structure in Linden and whether the elected officials can maintain control over municipal decision-making in the face of potential overreach by administrative staff. Given Solomon’s prominent political background within the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the broader coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), his call for action carries significant weight. Solomon has held various key positions, including Regional Chairman for Region 10 and Mayor of Linden before transitioning to parliamentary roles.
The response to Solomon’s statement reflects a growing concern among citizens regarding the conduct of public officials and the integrity of local governance. As the investigation unfolds, the public will be watching closely to see how the Linden Town Council responds to these allegations and whether it can restore confidence in its governance structures.
This situation exemplifies the delicate balance between administrative efficiency and the accountability demanded of elected officials. The citizens of Linden deserve clarity and transparency in how their local government functions, particularly when it involves decisions that impact their daily lives. Solomon’s call to action highlights the crucial need for proper checks and balances in local governance, ensuring that no administrative officer can act above the authority bestowed by the Council or misrepresent its decisions.
As this matter develops, citizens are encouraged to stay engaged and informed, as it signifies a pivotal moment for governance in our nation, challenging the very foundations of how municipal authority is exercised and perceived. The integrity of local governance is not just a matter of administrative procedure; it is a cornerstone of democracy, reflecting the values we hold dear.
