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The apparent double standards of the Linden MTC
Dear Editor,
No one can overlook the peculiar position in which the Linden Municipality finds itself from time to time in carrying out its mandate.
Always and forever, there will be decisions taken by the Municipality that will be pleasing to some and displeasing to others.
Thus it behoves the Mayor and Town Council to, at all times, work towards the best interest of the entire community, and always endeavour to act with obvious impartiality, as they say, justice must be seen to be done, lest they end up earning the wrath and disrespect of residents, as has been the case on a number of occasions.
The Mayor and Town Council must be mindful of how it is viewed by its citizenry. Quite recently, someone drew to my attention a vendor who had taken his time to clean up a reserve belonging to Council along the side of a business place (something that has become very common).
This vendor cleaned the gutter and shored it up, built a platform and erected a kind of tent with a removable canvas covering, selling household items which were removed and packed away at the end of the day.
This small business employed 3-4 workers (girls). In my judgment, it caused no hazard and was not unsightly.
Nevertheless, the M.T.C. deemed it an infringement and ordered it dismantled. Now this brings me to the point I raised above: there are countless other such cases no different from this one all around, the M.T.C. must have a clearly defined and principled position.
It cannot be selective in its actions, being unreasonably harsh on some while showing obvious favour or weakness to others, especially when the exact same thing that one is being penalized for stands in bold defiance right before their eyes. This is indeed a recipe for contention and conflict.
No doubt, there are some glaring, ugly situations and infringement of Council’s by-laws which no amount of argument can stand up in defence of, yet the M.T.C. should endeavour at times to be more amicable in some instances; or, as we say in local jargon, “flex”.
Even in this Christmas season, as the M.T.C. makes attempt to regulate and improve conditions in the community, it can still seek a harmonious approach, becoming firm when necessary.
My suggestion is that maybe, just maybe, the M.T.C. can effect a shift in its modus operandi with regards to permanent and non permanent structures on its reserves, with specific instructions/laws which must be diligently adhered to, once there is no perceived potential danger of any sort.
The Council can even force them to keep these places beautified and healthy — a main condition for granting of permission, while still collecting taxes.
Will M.T.C. now do regular cleaning to this area — their reserve — or would they tell the occupants who live nearby that it is their duty to do so? Laws were made to serve man, not vice versa.
It is said that when you stand up for principle, it defends you in the end. I say again that the M.T.C. must be mindful of the way they conduct their business of serving the people; justice and impartiality must not only be done, but must manifestly appear to be done.
Frank Fyffe
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