Roughly eight years after he was prevented from returning as the Regional Chairman for Region 10 by his party – A Partnership for National Unity – Sharma Solomon was Thursday sworn in as Mayor for the region’s township, Linden.
He replaces Waneka Arrindell and takes up the post with the full support of the PNC/R-led APNU Coalition which is largely under new leadership.
Solomon served as Chairman for Region 10 from 2011 to 2015 and although he served as the Regional Campaign Manager for the APNU+AFC coalition at the May 11, 2015 elections, it was not enough to ensure his name was extracted to serve at the regional level.
Solomon had long expressed a willingness to serve at the national level and although he was one of the youngest Regional Chairmen of his time, he was never elevated to any such position.
He continued his community service over the years although his name was not included on any lists for his party at the 2020 general and regional elections.
He will be supported in his new role by Deputy Mayor Dominique Blair. Also among new Council members is former Parliamentarian Vanessa Kissoon.
In his first address to the Council on Thursday, Solomon said he was confident that the new municipal administration represents strong, right and proper leadership.
“I am humbled to return to give service,” Solomon said.
He told the gathering that the Council intends to work with all statutory partners and central government to move the transformation of Linden forward while ensuring a healthy population and the highest protection for the environment.
He said promises made by the APNU in its manifesto will be implemented including those promised in the first 100 days.
