By Stabroek News
Copyright stabroeknews
Mayor of Linden, Sharma Solomon, has formally announced that he will be stepping down from his post to take up his role as a Member of Parliament, marking the end of one chapter of public service and the start of another.
In a statement, Solomon reflected on his journey through more than two decades of activism and political service, describing it as a “humbled privilege and honour” to represent the people at the levels of Councillor, Regional Chairman, and Mayor.
“After serving as Councillor, Regional Chairman, and Mayor, I will shortly be closing this chapter to begin another in public life. Representing the people of Linden and Region Ten has been a humbled privilege and honour,” Solomon said. He pledged to bring the same dedication and steadfastness to his new responsibilities in the National Assembly.
Looking back on his years of activism, Solomon recalled walking alongside families during the loss of bauxite jobs, devastating floods, and other hardships. He said those moments revealed the strength and solidarity of the people of Linden. “I saw their struggles, felt their pain, and helped to wipe the tears of mothers mourning the loss of their sons while they still seek justice,” he stated. He also recalled the challenges faced by the community under what he described as restrictive media and political policies that left residents marginalized.
Despite these struggles, Solomon expressed confidence that the region’s aspiration “to function as the heart of Guyana grows stronger and beats louder.”
Turning his attention to the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Solomon urged both party members and supporters to remain committed in the wake of the September 1 General and Regional Elections. “The road ahead will not be easy. For those of us stepping into positional service, it will demand courage, energy, and commitment to keep to our promise to ‘Put People First,’” he said.
He added that those no longer in frontline roles also had a vital part to play. “It will require your patience, discipline, and steadfast loyalty. I know this well. I travelled both paths, they are essential. Stand firm and hold the line. Be resolute. Let no setback dim our resolve.”
In his parting words as mayor, Solomon described Linden as more than a location, but as a symbol of resilience and national unity. “Linden is not just a place. It is a person… who understood that all Guyanese are important and valued members of this nation, who must be cherished,” he said.
Solomon promised to carry that conviction to Parliament, pledging to work so that “all Guyanese are seen, heard, and empowered.”