APNU+AFC ‘bullying’ on New Amsterdam council fails as Supreme Court annuls unlawful dismissal of PPP/C council member

Dismissal of People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) councilor Carol Trim-Bagot by Mayor and City Council of New Amsterdam, controlled by Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Dismissed by Berbice High School Court hears Council his actions were deemed illegal by the court.

In its decision to lift Trim-Bagot’s three-month suspension, the court disagreed with the council’s rulings that its request to suspend the PPP/C councilor could be based on alleged conduct that occurred outside a lawful meeting.

The immediate dismissal of the councilor on September 30 was met with protest from PPP/C colleagues in the local government body, who condemned the bullying of APNU+AFC-associated councillors.

It was Trim-Bagot himself who said after his suspension: “The mayor acted outside his capacity as mayor.”
The People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) supported the now-rescinded suspension, saying it fully supported the council’s action against Trim-Bagot.
Local Government Minister Sonia Parag condemned the action as a blatant attempt by the PNC-controlled council to silence those who truly represent the interests of residents.

Minister Parag, making a statement whose accuracy has now been proven by a Civil Court, commented on the suspension: “I believe he (the mayor) is trying to supersede the power he believes he can have from Cap 29:01 (Standing Order 9(h)). “I think this is an abuse of power and we will not tolerate it.”

Trim-Bagot has not attended legal meetings since September 30, but the court’s decision paves the way for his return.