Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
Apparent “private security” for Sooba leaves councillors uneasy
In light of claims that persons are seeking to harm the voted-out Town Clerk (ag) Carol Sooba, the government-appointed Council secretary has apparently hired her own personal security, but the calibre of characters chosen to fulfill the task seems not to be sitting well with the City Council and its security arm.
From all indications, controversial figure Shawn Hinds is performing the task of personal security. This has, however, gotten some city councillors and staffers of the agency uneasy.
Shawn Hinds stands between Sooba’s vehicle and the staircase to her office.
Several councillors explained to Kaieteur News that the figure has had his presence in the compound for more than a week now, yet no one is clear what exactly he is doing there. They did explain that Hinds has taken up his place at the foot of the staircase leading to the Town Clerk’s chambers and exits and returns as she does.
When asked about her security, Sooba said that she is provided security by the Council. She neither accepted nor denied employing Hinds for security services, but explained that, “my security is always with me; whether its constabulary officers or not, they (Council) are providing it.”
It was explained, however, that even in her personal capacity, Sooba cannot employ her own security since the Council provides her with protection.
“This is the first time any Town Clerk has hired any bodyguard, and it is compromising the official security for staffers, Mayor and Councillors.”
Hinds’s presence, according to one councilor, has gotten persons intimidated, especially when they have to “pass the gentleman at the foot of the steps leading to the Town Clerk’s office”. Another councilor explained that, “Hinds’s presence is clearly to intimidate, threaten and further cause harm, as a known person of shady character.” Moreover, the councillor noted, Sooba is no longer employed with the Council and she has been making allegations of threats against her life.
Kaieteur News understands, however, that the Constabulary is compiling a report to submit to the Council. A senior security member expressed concern over the matter and noted that the Constabulary is trying to ascertain the man’s purpose on the premise.
Sooba in a press release to the media Monday indicated that persons had threatened to douse her with corrosive substances and set her home on fire. She related that information was received from a reliable source that was part of a meeting in South Georgetown, which was allegedly organized by two officials from the Mayor and Councillors of Georgetown, who have been against her appointment as Town Clerk (ag).
She alleged that these officials met with known elements connected to the criminal underworld and, “part of their plan is to physically harm me by dousing me with corrosive substances and to firebomb my residence.”
While this publication was unable to get more on the accusations, Sooba said she has no reason to question her source of information, since “strange persons were seen in and around the vicinity of my home on several recent occasions.” She even suspects that her vehicle was tampered with on two occasions. She said the threats have caused her to “implement additional security measures”, but she remains committed in her efforts to stamp out corruption at the Council.
The ousted Town Clerk has been at the centre of arguments between the Mayor and Councillors over her right as Town Clerk (ag).
Ironically, Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green stated on Monday that information liaison Kwame McCoy had been seen with certain individuals taking photos of Councillors. She said, however, that the “duly elected councilors will not be intimidated.” Monday’s Statutory meeting at City Hall was marred with an argument over the Town Clerk’s chair, a fight for the microphone, and ended with a bomb scare.
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