Minutes:
The Mayor thanked Cllrs Jogee and Weston as proposer and seconder to her appointment – for their continuing support. The Mayor expressed her honour of welcoming so many guests to the meeting, especially as it was the start of celebrations for the borough's 50th anniversary - and in particular a former a councillor from 1965 - Mr Skudder, from Devon, and the newly elected MP Catherine West. The Mayor said that she was privileged to be surrounded by supporting family - her own family, faith, and political family – and the attendance of Fr Sean as well as the support of many faith leaders across Haringey.
The Mayor went on to state her intention to carry out her duties during the forthcoming year with the dignity and people-centred awareness that she had gleaned from Cllr Amin, and thanked her for all the opportunities and special events she had attended as Deputy Mayor during 2015/16 which had prepared her for the role. As Mayor and first citizen it was her privilege to uphold the good name of Haringey Council at all times. It was also fortunate to have the distinction of serving as Mayor in a year where the borough was marking its 50th anniversary.
The Mayor commented that Haringey was a fantastic borough – whose story was often undersold. With the world on its doorstep, the strength of which was shown in the incredible diversity and warmth of its communities and energy of its neighbourhoods, it was a place where people pulled together, where people support each other.... and she was greatly looking forward to seeing this first hand in her Mayoral Year.
The Mayor wished to highlight some of the past events of Haringey’s including the opening of the New River Sports Centre in the 1970 which saw it quickly become a hub for aspiring Olympic athletes like Daley Thomas and Sebastian Coe, the fall and glorious rise of Alexandra Palace – a rise that was set to continue with Heritage Lottery investment, as a borough it that had continued to make a huge contribution to Britain’s cultural landscape, from thought-leaders like Bernie Grant, through to world class artists and writers like Adele, Jonathan Pryce, Peter Capaldi and Michael Rosen.
The Mayor referred to Haringey’s fair share of challenges, and set-backs. But the true test of adversity was how to respond, and the image that would stand the test of time in the Tottenham riots was not one of rubble, but how the community came together in the days that followed with their brooms and shovels, helping people get back on their feet as quickly as possible. It was a community that was not easily defeated and rest assured the future of Haringey, with the investment starting to pour into it communities, was very bright indeed. The Mayor concluded that she looked forward to celebrating the wonderful borough throughout her Mayoral year as she carried out her duties, and looked forward to serve Haringey in an important year with the same distinction, respect and honour as her predecessors.
The meeting gave a resounding applause.
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