The following letter was read at yesterday’s meeting of the Chaguanas Corporation by Mayor Natasha Navas. The letter comes two days before the proposed visit to Chaguanas by UNC leader Basdeo Panday. Panday will be meeting with burgesses at the office of the Deputy Mayor Orlando Nagessar.
Dear Councillor/Alderman,
Under the laws of Trinidad and Tobago, the Chaguanas Borough Corporation, like other Regional Corporations, is an institution that is expected to operate freely and independently of any external influences. The borough exists for the benefit of all the people of Chaguanas, irrespective of political persuasion. It discharges its functions and provides services in a manner that is transparent and promotes an agenda that is determined through the collective effort of all incumbent councillors and aldermen.
Given this mandate entrusted upon us by law, we must, at all times, be encouraged to use the resources available to the borough in ways that result in positive outcomes for all the citizens. Our agenda must be apolitical. I encourage all members to ensure that there is no favouritism and/or nepotism in the discharge of our functions. I further encourage you to ensure that there is no attempt to use our offices for political meetings or for planning political strategies. To do so would be contrary to our oath to discharge our duties conscientiously and impartially. Whilst we must treat with all members of the public equally, we must not engage in ’party politics’ at our offices, which must be utilised for service to the people. As such, all attempts to use the resources of the State and to manipulate same for political gain are acts that ought not to be encouraged.
This memorandum must not be perceived as any direct conflict with any sitting member, but an attempt to set proper guidelines and procedural rules as we plan ahead into 2010. It comes at a time when there are numerous reports in the media of plans to provide certain active politicians with office space and resources to engage the public. Such reports, if accurate cannot and would not obtain the support of the borough. Indeed, it is my intention to raise this and other matters during our next statutory meeting. I trust that you would treat with these issues in the confidential manner that it deserves’.
