Mayor's Announcements
Minutes:
The Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting of Council, and wished everyone a very happy new year.
The Mayor firstly took some time to wish fellow Councillor, Gina Needs, a speedy recovery in respect of her recently diagnosed illness and sent all our best wishes to her.
The Mayor informed the Chamber of the sad loss of former Councillor and Cabinet Member Del Goddard. Del was a dedicated public servant for Enfield for many years, being a ward councillor between 1996 – 2014. Following the 2010 council election he was appointed Cabinet Member for Business and Regeneration. He was also involved in many other community and partnership organisations. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends.
The Mayor was also notified this week of the sad loss of Sylvia Jackson who was a Mayoress in 1990 when her husband, former Councillor John Jackson, was Mayor. Again, our condolences go out to family and friends.
Councillors were invited to say a few words in tribute.
Cllr Doug Taylor spoke of Del Goddard’s many roles in the Council and the borough, his keenness to drive forward change, and his long-lasting impact on Enfield. Cllr Michael Rye spoke of his long friendship with Del Goddard and expressed condolences to his wife and family. Cllr Kate Anolue spoke of her work alongside Del Goddard on Orchardside School Governing Body, and expressed sadness at his passing on behalf of the school. Cllr Joanne Laban praised Del Goddard’s positivity, and heartfelt actions in support of regeneration and to make Enfield a great place to live, work and visit.
Cllr Michael Rye advised that Sylvia Jackson had been a former Mayoress of Enfield twice and had been civically-minded and active in the borough, serving as a school governor and supporting charities, particularly for children with disabilities.
A minute’s silence was marked in respect.
In response to shouting and displaying of flags from the public gallery, and protestors’ disregard of warnings given by the Mayor regarding disruption, the meeting was adjourned and councillors, officers and press representatives reconvened to a secondary meeting area.
The Mayor resumed her announcements after the adjournment.
The Mayor stated that she continued to pray for peace for the continuing conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine and Israel and looked forward to communities living in safety and security, enjoying equal rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy.
The Mayor continued to support the residents of Enfield by attending the Citizenship ceremonies that took place most weeks. She was honoured to stand before the new citizens of Enfield. They stood proud to be part of our Borough and she was delighted to receive them. She also continued to attend local events and was humbled by the kindness shown to her from the residents of Enfield.
In January we remember all the victims of the Holocaust. The Mayor attended a ceremony at City Hall in remembrance, and Enfield would be holding a Holocaust Memorial event on Thursday 25th January at the Dugdale Arts Centre, for which councillors ... view the full minutes text for item 3
Mayor's Announcements
Minutes:
The Mayor welcomed everyone to the Chamber.
The Mayor began by expressing her sincere sadness over the conflicts currently taking place around the world. She prayed for peace in regions facing conflict and tragedy as all people should be able to live in safety and security, enjoying equal rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy.
The Leader was invited to say a few words in relation to the Israel/Gaza conflict. The Leader acknowledged the impact on Enfield residents and their families and that the loss of life and displacement of families resonated with all. She noted with concern the troubling increase in both antisemitism and Islamophobia and acknowledged that work continued with the Police and local communities and schools to stand against hatred and discrimination. Commitment to the wellbeing of all Enfield’s residents was reaffirmed.
Cllr Ruby Sampson spoke about the fear being experienced by Jewish people. Cllr Ergin Erbil recorded gratitude to colleagues, in particular the Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Cohesion and the Leader of the Council, for their work towards community cohesion. Cllr Alessandro Georgiou praised Police reassurance patrols, and thanked the Leader for her words and ongoing support for Enfield’s residents.
The Mayor informed the Chamber that sadly, former Councillor, former Mayor and Freeman of the Borough, John Wyatt, had passed away last month. He was first elected as a councillor in 1968 and was subsequently elected in every election from 1974 to 2002 for Bush Hill Park Ward. He was granted the Freedom of the Borough in 2003 ‘in recognition of the long and valuable public service rendered by him to the borough and as an expression of the high esteem in which he is held’. Sincere condolences went out to his family and friends. Councillors were invited to say a few words in tribute.
Cllr Michael Rye spoke of John Wyatt’s valuable service to Enfield Council, and also to Epping Forest. Cllr George Savva praised John Wyatt’s knowledge and talent as a councillor and as a great mayor.
The Mayor thanked Members for the moving tributes and led a minute’s silence for former councillor John Wyatt, for all those that had recently lost their lives through the conflict in Gaza, Israel, Ukraine and elsewhere, and of course, in remembrance of all those who had given their lives in many wars over the years defending freedom. May they rest in eternal peace.
The Mayor had continued to support the residents of Enfield by attending the Citizenship Ceremonies that took place most weeks. She was honoured to stand before the new citizens of Enfield. They stood proud to be part of our Borough and she too was delighted to receive them.
The Mayor had been invited to many Black History Month events during October and November. There were also many fireworks and festivities taking place to celebrate Diwali Festival of Lights. It had been wonderful for the younger generations to embrace their culture with many events taking place in Enfield. She wished to thank our diverse ... view the full minutes text for item 3
Mayor's Announcements
Minutes:
The Deputy Mayor welcomed everyone to her first meeting as Chair of Council, in place of her worshipful the Mayor, who was unable to attend this evening and sent her apologies.
The Mayor has been busy over the Christmas period, attending events and productions. The Deputy Mayor has been supporting her and was lucky enough to have undertaken her first Citizenship Ceremony in November. The Deputy Mayor was honoured to be part of this special day for the new residents of Enfield, who arrived in their finery – it was lovely to see so many people settling into our diverse borough.
The Deputy Mayor reminded all members of the Mayors Quiz Night on the 3rd February and her Gala Dinner on the 28th February. Invitations have been sent out and responses are awaited from those yet to reply.
The Deputy Mayor requested members’ continued professional and orderly conduct during this meeting and reminded them that any members wishing to speak should stand unless they are not able to do so and should address the meeting through her and continue to treat each other courteously and with respect during political interactions.
The Deputy Mayor said she intended to preside over this meeting in a firm but fair manner and would give opportunities to members on both sides of the Chamber to speak but would not tolerate rude and discourteous interruption. She reminded members that they should sit when she stands and that they should be wait until invited to speak.
The Deputy Mayor advised that if members would like to ask for an extension of time, or if they would wish to move any other type of procedural motion, they should do so at the end of a speech and not in the middle of it and should specify the relevant procedural rule.
The Deputy Mayor then invited the Young Mayor, Mustafa Berk AK, to update the Chamber on his activities in his elected role. The Young Mayor commented on the success of work with charities that is going on in different schools due to events that are being held.
The Young Mayor announced that there was Elections taking place for the Enfield Youth Council (EYC) where 20 young people would be appointed as new members and two young people to the UK Youth Parliament to represent the views and needs of Enfield children and young people at national level.