Revolt in San Fernando; councillors refuse to confirm minutes of statutory meeting

Navi Muradali and Mayor Marlene Coudray

The Mayor of San Fernando found herself in an embarrassing situation on Thursday when councillors from all parties voted to defeat Marlene Coudray’s request for confirmation of the minutes of a statutory meeting held in March.

As a result, Coudray cannot proceed with the business of the council. She told local media she now has "two options" without disclosing what they are. She said she needs to consult with her line minister, Local government Minister Chandresh Sharma.

Coudray has been having trouble in the San Fernando City Coprporation since she left the Congress of the People (COP) and joined the United National Congress (UNC). She contested the UNC internal election last month and was elected as one of the party's deputy leaders.

That has angered her former party and COP had been insisting that she resign as mayor. The leaders of the People's Partnership did not support that idea and COP conceded that it had lost that battle. The party is meeting this weekend to decide on its options.

The UNC's control of the council is shifting. Two of its councillors have left the party and an alderman has resigned.

Deputy Mayor Dr Navi Muradali, who is a COP member told the Newsday newspaper on friday the problem is with the mayor's stewardship.

The UNC/COP coalition in the council now comprises:

1. Navi Muradali
2. Gloria Caliste
3. Marlene Coudray
4. Andy Balgobin
5. John Mark Chankersingh
6. Anthony Ramkissoon

PNM councillors are Robert Parris and Shaka Joseph. Two former UNC members are sitting as independents