New Port-of-Spain Mayor Keron Valentine says he intends to give his “best shot” to complete projects started by his predecessor Raymond Tim Kee. He said so during his swearing-in ceremony at City Hall yesterday.
On Tuesday Tim Kee resigned following his controversial victim shaming statement about the death of Japanese pannist Asami Nagakiya whose body was found in carnival costume at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Ash Wednesday last week.
Valentine said he had assumed the new position in uncomfortable circumstances, adding such developments can be expected in politics. That was an obvious reference to the sudden resignation of Tim Kee. He said he intended to continue with the projects started by Tim Kee for the remaining eight months.
They include the relocation of street vendors, getting homelesss people off the streets, illegal parking and the introduction of parking meters. Valentine and Tim Kee discussed those projects yesterday.
“I will give it my best shot,” Valentine said moments after receiving the mayoral chain.
“For me going forward is just a matter of keeping the ball rolling on what has been happening within the city and I also gave Tim Kee the commitment that I will see to it that all his plans, projects and visionary ideas will be implemented as soon as we can,” the new mayor added.
Responding to questions from the media, Valentine, who was deputy mayor for almost six years, said he did not expect any challenges over the remaining eight months. Local government elections are expected by November.
Chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Terry Rondon was among the small audience in attendance for the short ceremony which began one hour later than it was originally scheduled.