Linden Town Clerk, Lennox Gasper, has maintained that the combined provisions of Guyana’s local government legislation reject Deputy Mayor Dominique Blair simultaneously serving on the Linden Mayor and Town Council (M&TC) and the Region 10 Regional Democratic Council (RDC).
Gasper’s position follows a recent Kaieteur News report in which former Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, contended that no legal conflict exists in Blair holding both offices. According to Gasper, however, while the law may not expressly state such a prohibition, the Local Democratic Organs Act, the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, and the Municipal and District Councils Act collectively prohibit it.
The Town Clerk explained that Guyana’s local democratic system is structured across five tiers—Regional Democratic Councils, Municipal Councils, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, Village Councils, and Community Development Councils—each with its own distinct responsibilities.
“Mr. Blair does not serve on an NDC, as was repeatedly referenced, but as Deputy Mayor of Linden’s M&TC, which carries significantly greater responsibilities than an NDC,” Gasper said.
He pointed to the Municipal and District Councils Act, noting that the Deputy Mayor is the automatic successor should the Mayor resign before the end of the term. With Mayor Sharma Solomon poised to take up a parliamentary seat, Gasper said Blair could soon be required to assume the mayoralty.
“At the same time, as an RDC councillor, Mr. Blair could potentially be elected Chairman or Vice Chairman, positions that also require significant dedication and may conflict with municipal priorities,” he added.
Gasper further warned that even as an ordinary RDC councillor, Blair would be subject to RDC policies that may contradict those of the M&TC, creating an unavoidable conflict of interest.
“Serving as Mayor or Deputy Mayor requires full and undivided focus on the affairs of the municipality. Serving as an RDC councillor carries its own significant responsibilities in regional representation and development. Holding both roles simultaneously risks divided priorities, diluted accountability, and conflicts of interest,” Gasper stated.
He stressed that good governance demands clarity, accountability, and undivided service. “The people of Linden deserve leaders who are fully committed to their respective mandates, without divided loyalties or overlapping responsibilities,” the Town Clerk concluded.
