Siparia Mayor ready for no confidence motion against him

Siparia Mayor Doodnath Mayrhoo has challenged his UNC colleagues to provide evidence of alleged corruption to the police, insisting he has nothing to hide.

His statement followed UNC councillor for Mon Desir, Deryk Bowrin’s announcement of a motion of no confidence against Mayrhoo, scheduled for later this month.

The motion coincides with a police investigation into missing materials from a state stockpile at Thick Village, Fyzabad.

Speaking at a press conference at his Siparia office yesterday, Mayrhoo said he visited the Fyzabad Police Station on Saturday and confirmed he is not named as a suspect in any investigation. He said the motion of no confidence must be approved by him first.

“I will approve it, and it will fail,” Mayrhoo said. He added, “I want Deryck Bowrin and Alderman Victor Roberts, on the day when the vote of no confidence fails, to have their letters of resignation in hand to resign as an alderman and councillor.”

Mayrhoo criticised Roberts, accusing him of being more focused on corruption allegations than contributing to the council’s work.

“What has Victor Roberts done to help this council?” Mayrhoo asked.

He rejected allegations against him.

In response, Alderman Roberts questioned the corporation’s practices. He said, “At the ninth finance meeting, a voucher came in for payment, but there were serious discrepancies. I indicated to the council this warrants an investigation. The document was suspended for three meetings. They waited until the financial year was about to close, then pushed through the document. They voted on it, but I and a few people abstained.”

He admitted to lodging a complaint with the procurement regulator in Port-of-Spain.

“I am not making mischief. I am a guy that stands transparent with everything. I have no personal problem with the mayor. I am saying he must obey regulations.”

Deputy Mayor Shankar Teelucksingh said there was no need for a motion of no confidence against the mayor. “Come with evidence if you making allegations,” Teelucksingh said. Councillor Ramona Victor also called for evidence.

To remove the mayor, ten members of the council would need to support the motion at the next statutory meeting. Roberts, Bowrin and former UNC councillor Jason Ali, who is now a PNM council member, have openly criticised Mayrhoo accusing him of being hostile because of their support for Mayaro MP Rushton Paray.

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