“PNM deceit!”
That’s the accusation now levelled against Port-of-Spain Mayor Raymond Tim Kee and the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) after Tim Kee’s expected resignation failed to materialise yesterday.
Political analyst Dr Bishnu Ragoonath says Tim Kee may use the support of the Port-of-Spain City Corporation Council and other people which he received yesterday as a basis to try and remain as mayor.
Ragoonath said: “Based on what Tim Kee said on social media that he has more work to be done, Tim Kee may really not be ready to resign and probably believes he has the council’s support and can play the situation to the maximum and stay on.”
Former city mayor Louis Lee Sing had said Tim Kee might use the council to “play his game.”
He added: “That seems to have happened if he hasn’t resigned yet. Nobody in the council is pushing for his resignation, so clearly he feels he has comfort.
“Based on the Prime Minister’s statement on Sunday, he has made it clear there is sufficient grounds for Tim Kee to resign. The Attorney General also said so. If Tim Kee does not resign, it will be up to the PNM party to brace for whatever comes beyond that, as the public will not turn to Tim Kee. We’ll have to wait and see whether the PNM may have to force Tim Kee to resign.”
In a statement yesterday, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar said: “Is this a carefully orchestrated manoeuvre by the Rowley Government to save the face of its treasurer? If the mayor reportedly did not submit a letter to the council, what are they deliberating? Why did the council reportedly give him more time to decide?
“The burning question here is whether the Port-of-Spain City Council is the proper body to receive, consider and accept such resignation. Under Section 25(1) of the Municipal Corporations Act, Chap 25:04, Mayor Tim Kee may resign at any time as mayor and as an alderman by delivering his signed letter to the chief executive officer of the corporation.
The Port-of-Spain City Council has no role in law in receiving, considering or accepting his resignation as mayor or as an alderman.” (GA)