Latest update April 26th, 2026 12:45 AM
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No conflict with Linden’s deputy mayor serving on Region 10 RDC
… Sharma Solomon to resign as mayor to take up parliamentary seat
Mayor of Linden Sharma Solomon
Kaieteur News – A new development has emerged in Region 10 following the A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) recent appointments of Regional Democratic Councillors (RDCs) and Members of Parliament (MPs).
Linden Mayor, Sharma Solomon will step down from his position to take up his seat in parliament. Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Dominique Blair will retain his role while also serving as a regional councillor.
Solomon was elected mayor in 2023, following the Local Government Elections. His deputy, Blair, was also elected at that time. However, with Solomon now selected to serve in the national assembly, he is required by law to resign from his local government position. The Linden Town Council will subsequently move to elect a new mayor.
Deputy Mayor of Linden, Dominque Blair
According to APNU’s executive member Ganesh Mahipaul, there is no legal conflict in Blair holding both roles. “Nothing is wrong with Mr. Dominique Blair being on the NDC and RDC. It is not illegal,” Mahipaul stated on Thursday. “There is nothing wrong with being chairman of an NDC and still being an RDC councillor. However, you cannot be a local government officer such as a councillor, chair, or vice chair of an NDC or municipality and serve in the National Assembly. That’s the difference. So, there’s no issue with serving in both local government and the RDC.”
Speaking on Solomon’s transition, Mahipaul added, “Given that he was extracted as a Member of Parliament, he will by law have to resign the mayorship. After his resignation, the council will have to move toward electing a new mayor.”
On Thursday, APNU announced its slate of regional councillors for eight of Guyana’s ten administrative regions. For Region 10, APNU secured five seats, which have been filled by:
- Dominique Hubert Blair (Lower Kara Kara, Mackenzie)
- Suzette Ann Gordon (Amelia’s Ward, Linden)
- Donna Patricia Perry (Wismar, Linden)
- Faye Rodrigues (Kwakwani, Berbice River)
- Orlon Renswick Rogers (Block 22, Linden)
In a separate announcement last Friday, the PNCR-led APNU coalition revealed the 12 members who will represent the party in the 13th Parliament. Party leader Aubrey Norton will not be returning to parliament but will continue as leader of the PNCR. The parliamentary team will be led by Terrence Campbell and includes returning MPs such as Coretta McDonald, Ganesh Mahipaul, and Nima Natasha Flue-Bess.
Several new faces will also join parliament, including political commentator Dr. David Hinds, Riaz Zakeer Rupnarain, Sherod Avery Duncan, Sharma Raheem Solomon, attorney and peace ambassador Dr. Dexter Todd, gospel artiste and entrepreneur Saiku Andrews, and Vinceroy H. Jordan, who will represent Region Five.
These developments come in the wake of APNU’s disappointing performance in the September 1 elections. The newly formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by businessman Azruddin Mohamed, captured 16 parliamentary seats, pushing APNU to third place. The ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), led by President Irfaan Ali, secured 36 seats—ensuring President Ali a second term in office.
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