Stalwart and former two times Deputy Mayor, Winifred Haywood was unanimously elected to serve as Mayor of Guyana’s oldest town, New Amsterdam; while businessman George Tucker, was elected as the new Deputy Mayor.
Haywood, who was serving in the position of Deputy Mayor, will now sit in the Mayor’s chair after she was unanimously elected to serve in that position. The former long-serving councillor was elevated to the top post following the sudden resignation of Mayor Kirt Wynter.
Mayor Winifred Haywood, a retired head teacher and former President of the Guyana Teachers Union, is a practicing preacher at the Mission Chapel Congregational Church in New Amsterdam. She is a long-serving member of the New Amsterdam town council and the only one returning from the past era. During that time, Haywood served with distinction in various posts including that of Deputy Mayor. With her vast experience and work ethic, she is seen as a good foil and inspiration to guide the new members and lead the council forward.
Many observers said that Haywood should have taken up the mayoral position at the start of this new era. She has been hailed as an inspirational leader and mentor by many of the new members.
Following the election, both the mayor and deputy mayor pledged to work diligently to further develop the township, while at the same time providing improved services for the citizens of New Amsterdam.
Haywood expressed gratitude to her colleagues for the confidence shown in her and for their support during the past months, while she served as Deputy Mayor. While acknowledging that the job will be challenging, Haywood expressed confidence that together with her colleagues, several issues affecting the town will be addressed.
Deputy Mayor Tucker assured that the newly elected mayor has his full support in the executing the mandate of the council.
Both Mayor Haywood and Deputy Mayor Tucker appealed to residents to abide with the by-laws and regulations of the New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council.
A massive clean-up campaign is presently ongoing in the town with the Burnham Park, Mental Hospital Compound and Playfield, and The Esplanade Park Areas being attended to at the moment.
Article by DPI, GUYANA, Friday, November 10, 2017