Removed Water Board Member Believes He was Wrongfully Removed

Last week, two members of the Hopkins Water Board were removed from the governing body after residents felt their concerns were not being heard. On December 22, Stann Creek West Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson convened a meeting with villagers to discuss an issue over increases in their water bills. However, while the board was invited to discuss the issue with villagers, none of its members showed up. Ferguson says he then learned that no bylaws were in place to govern the board, prompting him to take action. Ferguson then requested that the Ministry of Rural Transformation remove the board’s Vice Chairman Orlando Augustine and its Treasurer Elodia Casimiro. The move was geared toward reforming the board and addressing the concerns of citizens. However, Augustine believes he was wrongfully removed from his position. He spoke to Stann Creek Correspondent Harry Arzu and claimed that the steps taken by Ferguson were unlawful. 

Augustine was one of three members who were appointed to the board by the village council.