Community activist Terry Bynoe has been elected president of the recently-formed Canouan Island Development Council (CIDC).
The purpose of the group, which was formed on Feb. 25, is “To Work for the good and general welfare and the development of Canouan and its residents and to foster a better relationship between residents, investors and Government of SVG.”
Residents elected the executive during a meeting at the Canouan Hard Court.
The Executive also incudes Duane Lewis, Andrew Foyle and Peter Laidlow as 1st 2nd and 3rd Vice president; Valcina Gregg, secretary; Zico Garraway, treasurer; Shanique Pompey, assistant secretary/treasurer; Hansel Henry, public relations officer; and Lisa Frederick, Shelly King and Casita Laidlow as committee members.
The executive will serve for two years.
“Currently, the Council is developing its constitution and would be registered as a non-governmental/ not-for-profit organisation,” Henry said in a statement.
Its motto is, “Striving for a better Canouan”.
Bravo Canouan! At last somebody or some group of citizens have taken the reins to form a community council. This is what I have been asking the NDP to do for several years. I expect Baga and Layou may soon follow through with similar action.
Canouan will establish a template that could be copied in other communities. I hope the Canouan council once established it will help other community to jump start similar councils. I hope the non-governmental means that the council will never be under the control of any government. I am glad they did not add non-political because they may have to take on a government somewhere down the road and should not have their hands tied.
Congratulations Canouan, you have taken the live, freedom and the peoples rights into your hand. Residents of Canouan I wish you well!