Issue - meetings
Mayor's Announcements
Meeting: 08/07/2019 - Council (Item 6)
Mayor's Announcements (including any petitions received)
To receive any announcements from the Mayor.
Additional documents:
Decision:
NOTED the announcements from the Mayor in relation to:
· Recent fatalities in Brent
· Death of former Mayors Joyce Bacchus and Les Ford with tributes paid by Councillors Muhammed Butt, Colwill, Long, Hector and Kansagra.
· London Finals of HSBC Young Enterprise – Kingsbury High School
· Barham Primary School – Teachers Award
· Windrush Event
· Mayors Civic Service – 23 July 19
· LGBTQ+ Pride Month
· Big Iftar – Monks Park Mosque
· Jack Petchey Award – St Gregory’s Science College
· Armed Forces Day
· Co-operative Day
· Neasden Festival
· Petitions
Minutes:
The Mayor made the following announcements
(i) Recent fatalities in Brent
The Mayor opened his announcements by echoing the sentiments expressed by the Lead Member for Community Safety and Engagement regarding the fatalities in Brent over the weekend. He had been devastated to learn of the events, one of which was in his ward and the other very close to where he lived. He offered his thoughts, prayers and sympathy in support of the victims and their loved ones.
(ii) Death of former Mayor Les Ford & Joyce Bacchus
The Mayor advised that it was with great sadness he had to announce the deaths of two former Councillors and Mayors - Joyce Bacchus MBE and Les Ford.
He recognised that many councillors would have known Joyce, who was well loved and respected by colleagues, residents and council staff alike.
As a mark of respect, the Mayor asked those present to stand in order to observe a minute’s silence in respect of both Joyce and Les and also to remember the young lives recently lost within the Borough.
A minute’s silence was observed
As a number of Members had indicated they wished to formally pay tribute to Joyce Bacchus MBE, the Mayor then invited contributions from other councillors.
Councillor M Butt opened the tributes by highlighting how he and his family had known Joyce since 2005. He remembered with fondness her attention to the small details in life, which had made her so well liked and respected by all she knew and the communities she represented. Councillor Butt said it had been an honour to have been able to work with Joyce and hoped that her commitment and dedication to the people of Brent was something which all Members would aspire to.
The following members also spoke in tribute:
· Councillor Colwill also spoke about how privileged he had been to know Joyce whom he highlighted had been an intelligent, highly respected and dedicated advocate for the residents she had represented. He recalled her resilience, especially after a car accident she had been involved in.
· Councillor Long advised she also had many memories of serving with Joyce and particularly recalled her willingness to support other members. Highlighting the respect Joyce commanded from residents, particularly in her ward, she pointed out that she would be missed and remembered with affection.
· Councillor Hector also took the opportunity to highlight Joyce’s attention to detail and commenting on the tributes paid at her funeral felt she would have been touched by the fondness with which she had been remembered and how much she would be missed by all those who had known and served with her.
· Councillor Kansagra concluded the tributes by highlighting how he had got to know Joyce whilst serving with her as a Magistrate in Brent. He also remarked on her integrity, fairness and lack of bias and pointed out how much she would be missed by all who had known her.
The Mayor thanked everyone for their kind and touching tributes.
(iii) London ... view the full minutes text for item 6