People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor Carol Trim-Bagot resumed her duties at the New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council’s statutory meeting on Monday after her suspension was overturned by the High Court. Upon her return, she reaffirmed her commitment to transparency and accountability, raising concerns over key financial and administrative decisions made by the council.
Two weeks earlier, the council, led by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC), had suspended Trim-Bagot under Cap. 28:01 of the Standing Orders, citing allegations of disruptive and disrespectful behavior toward the Mayor and her fellow councillors. Trim-Bagot, however, argued that the suspension was politically motivated and an attempt to silence her. She successfully challenged the suspension in the High Court, which ruled it unlawful and described it as an act of bullying aimed at removing her from office.
At Monday’s meeting, Trim-Bagot wasted no time addressing the council’s decision to allocate $600,000 for legal expenses in a case filed against her, despite the council’s attorney reportedly working pro bono. She questioned the justification for the expense, calling it a potential misuse of public funds.
“It is my opinion that this is a way of finagling funds from the town’s coffers. Previously, we were told who the lawyer representing this council was, and now I am seeing Mr. Crawford, a friend of the councillor. Is there a plot to siphon funds again from the coffers? These are the things that bother me,” she stated firmly.
Trim-Bagot also sought clarity on financial matters related to the recently concluded New Amsterdam Town Day celebrations. She demanded a report detailing revenues and expenditures, noting that some individuals who worked during the event had not yet been paid. Furthermore, she revealed that no funds from the event had been deposited into the council’s bank account, raising questions about accountability.
“These are the discrepancies I will continue to address in this chamber. I believe this was part of the reason for my suspension. But I am back, and I will continue to speak out,” Trim-Bagot declared.
Mayor Wainwright McIntosh welcomed Trim-Bagot back to the council, despite the council filing an appeal against the High Court’s ruling. Addressing concerns raised about Town Day finances, McIntosh admitted that the report from the Town Day Committee was still pending but assured that it would be made available as soon as it was completed.
PPP/C Councillor Nicola Luther joined Trim-Bagot in questioning the council about the total revenue generated during the Town Day celebrations, highlighting the lack of transparency in financial reporting.
