Councillor, Coudray in verbal clash

Tempers flared at the San Fernando City Corporation, causing mayor Marlene Coudray to call a premature end to yesterday’s statutory meeting at City Hall. Coudray came in for a verbal attack by Councillor for Cocoyea/Tarouba, Daren Mc Leod, during a debate on an alleged sabotage of works to be completed within his district.

Among the sentiments uttered towards Coudray by Mc Leod was that no one voted for her and she was not liked as a mayor by the people of San Fernando. Following the meeting, Coudray said she would be reviewing the tapes from the meeting to access what action was necessary. The commotion began at the start of the meeting when Mc Leod had to be escorted out of the chambers after failing to wear a tie.

When Coudray entered the chambers, she told the council members they must adhere to a strict dress code and instructed Inspector Governor to escort Mc Leod out of the chambers. Upset by the mayor’s instruction, he walked out contending the true reason he was removed from the meeting was due to the content of discussion he had planned to raise at the meeting. However, Mc Leod informed the council he would return with a tie as he was an elected member of the council.

He returned 30 minutes later with a blue tie and was in a fiery mood as he sought to deal with outstanding projects that were yet to be completed in his area. Even though Coudray informed him the matter already had been discussed, he insisted it had to be dealt with further. However, while delivering his contribution a light conversation took place between the mayor and an alderman which seemed to annoy Mc Leod.

After a short pause of silence by Mc Leod, Coudray jovially said: “That’s how it feels, sir.” He replied: “Well, we know you like pay back, so thanks.” Mc Leod continued: “I came and asked for humps in Cocoyea and I was told by the mayor in the council here that we have to get the permission from the Ministry of Works. “I went to the Ministry of Works, through Mr Phillips, and presented the documents. Mr Phillips was very prompt in writing me back and approving the humps.

“Up to now, not a single hump, but three humps were put on Forest Avenue where the mayor was responsible for asking the Engineering Department to do that. “Nobody voted for the mayor. The mayor deserves her respect because she is the mayor and I have no problem with that but nobody voted for the mayor.” As he continued, Coudray intervene, saying: “Councillor, you are out of order.”

However, he continued, saying he was not being disrespectful and he would like to finish. The mayor immediately rose from her seat and informed the council that the meeting was brought to a close.

But even as Coudray was leaving the chambers, Mc Leod continued: “Good, that is the way how you do business and nobody voted for you. I will always remind you of that, nobody voted for you and I would do that very respectfully.”

Even as other councillors converged around him, he said: “No respect, that is the disrespect, I sat down and listened to everybody but when I stand to make my comment you close the meeting. That is why nobody in San Fernando likes you as the mayor.” Mc Leod claimed he was being victimised because Coudray was not fond of opposition.