MARIGOT–Georges Richardson, the District Council six representative in Sandy Ground, has said he will challenge the legality of the new district council reorganisation publicised a few days ago by the Collectivité, saying he is puzzled by the decision to reduce the number of councils, given their overall purpose and set-up that is clearly stated in Article 74.
The Councils have been reduced from six to four for the whole territory. Installation of the councils and election of boards is set for August 3, 2018.
He questioned why changes had to be made when districts five and six, as examples, had successful and proven track records in performance with insertion and education projects benefitting the community and the youth at large.
“It seems the Collectivité wants to brand us as failures as well if they group us with other councils that have not been producing. This new set-up undermines the work we have done,” said Richardson, whose name does not feature in any of the lists of nominated members. “Myself and the Association Sandy Ground on the Move have always gone the extra mile to do what is needed for the community. The record is there for all to see. I see this as a lack of respect for all that we have done.”
He said he will be writing to the Minister of Overseas Territories to question whether the changes to the configuration of the councils were authorised and in accordance with Article 74. He added that he believes he has been pushed aside for political reasons.
“Having new blood in the Councils does not necessarily mean everything will be better. They have to prove that they can do better, and I will challenge any of them,” he insisted.
First Vice-President Valérie Damaseau responded that she has done everything possible to ensure that the appointment of the members of the neighbourhood councils was carried out with the greatest transparency.
“The Executive Board appointed the first on a unanimous vote. While the Executive Council usually takes place behind closed doors, I wished to have the presence of a sworn bailiff (Cauchefer Cabinet) to control the election. The latter has carefully monitored the process. He pointed out on the one hand the list of candidates so that each name was represented by a ballot placed in the ballot box.
“The drawing of lots was made in the presence of the elected members of the Executive Council, technicians from the community who attended the council. The press was received and was given a full report of the election. Everything is perfectly clear and transparent.”
In addition, she explained to the media the new demarcation of the district councils, which are now four.
Having received the unanimous powers of the Territorial Council for the delimitation and organisation of the appointment of the new members of the district councils, the Executive Council decided to reduce the number of district councils in view of the recurring difficulties to gather the members at working meetings, the lack of mobilisation, and the quota not being reached at the time of the registrations.
The new demarcation therefore provides for four district councils for the territory of St. Martin, with a more representative configuration of the territory.
The installation of the councils will take place on Friday August 3, during an official ceremony. The elected majority wants neighbourhood councils, once established, to be able to play their full advisory role to territorial authorities and to act as a quality link between the administration, elected representatives and the population.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/78548-georges-richardson-to-challenge-legality-of-district-council-set-up
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