Minister in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Norman Whittaker has deemed the recent upsurge of no confidence motions as a “New way of taking people’s focus away from the issues.”

He made reference to the no confidence motions passed against town clerk Carol Sooba and the Deputy Mayor of New Amsterdam.

With regard to the New Amsterdam issue, he said that the meeting that was convened during which the no confidence motion was brought, was not properly convened, constituted and that decisions taken at the meeting were null and void.

However, he said the ministry has been able to sort out the issue.

Whittaker explained that the council has the power to convene a special meeting to move a no confidence motion, at its normal statutory meeting; however, the final say rests with the ministry.

He said that Council has not presented to the ministry any details of reasons for the “No confidence’ motion against the town clerk.

Meanwhile, Whittaker has debunked claims by City Mayor Hamilton Green that the Ministry has not been supportive of the efforts of the town council.

Addressing the press on Friday, Minister Whittaker said the ministry has been very encouraging of the council’s efforts to deliver improved services to residents of Georgetown.

Minister Whittaker questioned Mayor Green’s cries about the council’s lack of revenue, noting that it has been receiving a total of G $20M in subvention from the ministry annually.

Whittaker said the assistance from central government with the city’s waste is in recognition of the health and environmental concern that it poses to the residents.

He assured however, that the ministry will continue to reach out and work with the council in good faith.