Newly-elected Arima mayor George Hadeed says he plans to upgrade and relocate the Arima market, improve traffic circulation and address social and education issues in his borough.Hadeed was elected mayor on Tuesday without any contest during the election and swearing-in ceremony at the Arima Town Hall.Anthony Garcia was elected deputy mayor.
"Upgrading of the market, promoting efficient traffic management and circulation, upgrading of community facilities to ensure every resident of Arima is equitably served and able to enjoy a higher quality of life...The challenges to addresses these goals are many, but our collective abilities to address these challenges are strong. Sure we may not be able to please everyone," he said.
Hadeed said he needed to consult his council and the burgesses of Arima and see where services are lacking and intended to work closely with the MP.The new mayor said he did not take his charge as mayor lightly and intended to be proactive, loyal, trustworthy, committed and dedicated.Former mayor Ghassan Youseph said he wanted his term to end on a positive note.
"And I want to get the sad note out of the way. The councillors served here for three years, and the proper thing was to invite them and treat them with honour and the respect they served. You can't dispose of them, they are human beings," he said.Youseph said within the past three years his team made a positive difference.He said last year's development programme allocation was $11.5 million and leaped to $17.4 million, an increase of 51 per cent in the current financial year.
The restoration of the historic dial and the Mt Pleasant Bridge, which collapsed 29 years ago, and the commissioning of a new police station were also among the accomplishments, he listed under his tenure.Pan on the streets, the Arima Calypso Monarch Competition and a king and queen competition, the food festival, art show, Parang-rama and the one-of-a-kind box cart derby were cultural events Youseph hosted.
He said representations were made to Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie to expand the business district.Youseph said there was approval for the expansion in the north from Cocorite Road, along Guanapo Road, all the way to Quesnel Street and on the southern side, from Hollis Avenue, along Pro Queen Street, to Robinson Circular.