Duncan ‘forced’ to withdraw candidacy for Mayor hours before election
Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan has noted that he has been ‘forced’ to withdraw his candidacy for Mayor of Georgetown, citing “ministerial intervention” in the process.
Duncan made the announcement hours before the elections are due to be held at City Hall on Thursday.He was contesting against current Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green.
Duncan in a statement noted in the last few days the local government process has been tainted with “ministerial intervention” and it is his belief that Councillors have been coerced to give their support in a particular direction to maintain the status quo; undermining the democratic process.
“This and the use of municipal resources to campaign for the incumbent does not auger well for our local democracy, and presents an unleveled playing field; a selection of Mayor and not an election. These factors have caused me to reevaluate my candidacy for Mayor. I therefore withdraw my candidacy for Mayor of Georgetown,” Duncan said.
He further noted that he will not be contending for the Deputy Mayorship “as this position requires someone more in tuned with the incumbent Mayor’s thinking and work ethic.”
“Serving the Municipality of Georgetown as Deputy Mayor has been a rewarding experience for me and an education. I have enjoyed the support of Councillors across the political divide, the Coalition Government’s confidence, (the Government continues to have my unswerving support) and I am humbled by the support of the residents of the Municipality of Georgetown.”