By Mark DaCosta- The parliamentary opposition, A Partnership For National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), has raised concerns about the alleged politicisation of local government, particularly in the town of Linden, whose Mayor is Sharma Solomon.
Speaking at a recent press conference the opposition accused the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government of systematically using Regional Executive Officers (REOs), Town Clerks, and Overseers to exert control over Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), Town Councils, and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), even in regions where the opposition has a majority.
A significant point of contention is the appointment of Lennox Gasper as the Town Clerk of Linden. The opposition has sharply criticised this appointment, alleging that Gasper is a political appointee with strong ties to the PPP/C, and lacks the competence required for the role.
According to opposition sources, Gasper’s tenure has been marked by frequent disruptions, including his refusal to sign off on legitimate payments to citizens and his habitual walkouts from council meetings, both of which have severely hindered the town’s governance and development.
The opposition has described Gasper’s appointment as a blatant imposition on the people of Linden, pointing out that he was the only candidate interviewed for the position in a process they claim was flawed and lacking transparency.
Since taking office, Gasper has allegedly refused to implement the recommendations and policies of the Linden Town Council, leading to significant frustration among residents.
The situation came to a head in early July when vendors at the Mackenzie Market expressed their anger over the pile-up of garbage in the town, which they attribute to Gasper’s inaction. In a dramatic confrontation, these vendors attended a statutory meeting of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) to voice their concerns, only to be met with attempts by Gasper to lock them out of the meeting.
Despite his efforts, only a small group of PPP/C affiliates were allowed into the council chambers, an action that the opposition has condemned as a violation of the people’s right to assemble and a further indication of the PPP/C’s attempt to politicise local governance.
The opposition has vowed to continue supporting the residents and council of Linden in their struggle against what they describe as the “high-handed and partisan” approach of the current Town Clerk. They are calling for Gasper’s immediate removal and the appointment of a professional and competent individual who can serve the town without political bias.
As the political landscape in Guyana continues to evolve, issues of governance, respecting citizens’ rights to self-determination and representation through their elected leaders are likely to play a central role in the upcoming national elections, shaping the debate over the country’s future direction
