THE EDITOR, Madam:
I WRITE in response to the article titled 'Manchester Chamber of Commerce gets new President' which appeared on page A10 of your August 15 publication. The article contains a number of inaccuracies, and also misrepresents the circumstances surrounding the election of officers.
Firstly, the new President is Donovan Cover. I am a director of the company Sparks Engineering Ltd., and immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Mandeville.
Secondly, whereas my election may well be a surprise to some members, it could hardly be considered an ousting of the former president, Mrs. Jean Anderson, as she had indicated to several council members that she did not wish to be returned to that post, and had actively solicited my acceptance of the nomination as a candidate for the presidency. She has also given her commitment for continued involvement with the chamber.
Mrs. Anderson may however justifiably feel disappointed, not over the results of the elections as reported in the article, but rather about the current state of the chamber. The past 12 months have been fraught with problems that she inherited, and not many members realise or appreciate the personal effort she had made in trying to come to grips with some of these issues. However, as with any organisation of this sort, there will be personality conflicts, and differences of opinion, hence the sentiments attributed in your article to various members, I feel, are a misrepresentation of the overall view of the MCOC.
The new council members are enthusiastic about their election, and the opportunity for a meaningful contribution to the commercial activity, and development of this parish. I therefore wish to assure your reporter and your readers that the affairs of the MCOC will continue to be conducted with the highest degree of professionalism as we strive to make our parish and country a better place.
I am, etc.,
DONOVAN COVER
President
Manchester Chamber
of Commerce
