In a dramatic turn of events, the Berbice High Court has struck down the unlawful suspension of People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor Carol Trim-Bagot by the APNU/AFC-controlled New Amsterdam Mayor & Town Council. The court’s ruling effectively ends what has been described as a blatant attempt to bully the councillor out of office.
Trim-Bagot’s suspension, imposed on September 30, was ruled illegal after the court found that the council had acted beyond its authority. The suspension stemmed from alleged misconduct outside a statutory meeting, a move the court deemed a clear overreach of power.
The suspension ignited protests from fellow PPP/C members, who slammed the action as “bullyism” orchestrated by APNU/AFC-affiliated councillors to stifle dissenting voices. Trim-Bagot herself condemned the decision, asserting, “The mayor has acted outside of his capacity as the mayor,” signaling her firm stance against the council’s tactics.
Local Government Minister Sonia Parag had also criticized the council’s actions, labeling them as an abuse of power aimed at silencing legitimate representation. “This was nothing short of an attempt by the PNC-controlled council to suppress voices truly representing the people,” Parag said, adding that the mayor had misused provisions under Cap 29:01 [Standing Order 9(h)] in an apparent display of overreach.
With the High Court’s decisive ruling, Trim-Bagot has been reinstated and is now free to resume her duties at statutory meetings. The council was also ordered to pay her $50,000 in costs, further cementing the court’s stance against the suspension.
This ruling sends a strong message against political overreach and underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democracy and fair representation. For Trim-Bagot, the victory is not just personal but a triumph for every councillor committed to standing up against intimidation and abuse of power.
