Sheldon Garcia, the United National Congress Councillor for Arima Central has resigned from the party.
Garcia’s resignation from the UNC preceded that of Warrenville/Kelly Village councillor Samuel Sankar, who confirmed his action last Friday.
Garcia has been working as an Independent since he resigned from the UNC last Monday, citing a lack of support from the UNC.
Garcia’s victory for the UNC in the 2021 by-election for Arima Central was described then as a “shocker” and an “upset” in the PNM-controlled council.
He was a former PNM supporter and joined the UNC in 2020.
In his letter to UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Garcia stated, “Kindly accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation as a member of the United National Congress effective immediately.
“Since January 2021, I have served as a member of your party having successfully contested the by-election for the Arima Central electoral district. Madame, I have served this district with distinction and passion, especially because I was the lone UNC elected representative serving on the Arima Borough Council and I was determined to make the difference.
“Despite my best efforts, support from the party and most of your colleagues, financiers and supporters has been, almost, if not completely absent. As a person passionate about the people of my community, to say that I was left repeatedly and constantly disappointed throughout my term of service is an understatement.
“This falls well beneath my expectation and what I am willing to accept as I seek to improve my electoral district and my beloved Royal Chartered Borough of Arima.
“It has been my esteemed pleasure serving my burgesses who reposed their confidence in me, their neighbour, their friend, their brother. I remain respectfully committed to the people of Arima Central.”