Deputy Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Andrew Garnett has
assured that there will be no reprisals for those giving evidence to
the Commission of Inquiry into the operations of the Mayor and City
Council (M&CC) of Georgetown.
Garnett earlier today encouraged prospective complainants to the
commission to step forward and participate in the fact-finding process
to be headed by Retired Justice Cecil Kennard.
“The Local Government Commission is responsible for regulation and
staffing of all local government organs which is inclusive of the
Mayor and Councilors of the City of Georgetown. And workers have
complained and their unions have complained they are under the
protection of their union and they are under the protection of the
Local Government Commission there can be no reprisals. There can be no
acts of victimization in terms of a worker who exercises their right
to complain about working conditions or deprivation of benefits,”
Garnett said.
The Commission of Inquiry (COI) is set to receive evidence at the
Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue up to September 21. A report
of its findings is expected by the end of October. According to
Justice Kennard, provisions will be made for in camera hearings should
the need arise.
“We have a legal clerk secretary at the Critchlow Labour College. He
assumed duties there yesterday and he will be there all week 8:30 am
to 4:30 pm and he will be taking statements and doing the necessary
supportive activities in preparation of the inquiry per se on Monday
the 24th of September,” Garnett explained.
According to Garnett who represents labour on the Local Government
Commission, the intention to inquire into the operations of the Mayor
and City Council of Georgetown was made known since April 2018.
However, several matters of logistics prevented it from being done
earlier. The Local Government Commission was sworn into office on
October 23, 2017, by President David Granger. Retired Justice Cecil
Kennard was earlier today sworn in by Chief Magistrate (ag), Ann Mc
Lennan as the Chairman and sole commissioner to conduct an inquiry
into the operation of the city government.
Chairman of the Local Government Commission, (LGC), Mortimer Mingo
confirmed yesterday that a decision was taken to launch the COI after
a series of complaints about financial matters at City Hall. According
to Mingo, the commission had been receiving complaints of corruption
at City Hall for several months.
