00:00A week-long celebration is now at the center of a political row at the Tunapuno-Piaco Regional Corporation.
00:08UNC counselors and aldermen have collectively decided to boycott this year's Tunapuno Week celebrations,
00:15which begin on Friday with a military parade and conclude with a civic awards ceremony.
00:21Their objection centers on the proposed expenditure of more than $500,000 on the festivities,
00:27which they argue comes at a time when communities are struggling with deteriorating infrastructure,
00:34inadequate maintenance, and shortages of essential equipment.
00:38In a media statement, Minority Leader Prakash Bharath says,
00:43This decision is not about opposing cultural celebrations or civic recognition.
00:48It's about accountability, fairness, and the responsible management of taxpayers' money.
00:53The UNC representatives claim their electoral districts have not been allocated development program projects,
01:00despite other districts continuing to benefit.
01:04They argue that any reduction in funding should affect all counselors equally, regardless of political affiliation.
01:11The counselors say more than half a million dollars proposed for Tunapuno Week
01:15could instead finance development projects in at least three UNC-represented electoral districts.
01:23They are demanding that the PNM-led council disclose how development funds have been distributed across the region
01:29and explain why UNC counselors have received no projects.
01:34But their concern extends beyond the allocation of development funds.
01:38The UNC representatives claim construction teams within the corporation have been operating for more than three years
01:45without adequate materials to carry out routine repairs and maintenance.
01:50They also allege that municipal teams lack the basic tools and equipment needed to perform their duties effectively.
01:58Barrett asks,
01:59How can the PNM-led council justify spending over $500,000 on a week of celebrations
02:05while its own construction teams lack the materials to carry out basic repairs?
02:10The counselors maintain that these shortages directly affect the corporation's ability to respond to residents' everyday needs,
02:18including road and drainage repairs.
02:20They are now calling for a public breakdown of the Tunapuno Week expenditure,
02:24full disclosure of development program allocations,
02:28and urgent investment in materials and equipment for municipal workers.
02:33And while they acknowledge the importance of celebrating Tunapuno's history, culture, and community achievements,
02:39they insist essential services must take priority.
02:43Barrett says,
02:43We will not lend our presence to these festivities
02:47while serious questions about the allocation of public resources remain unanswered.
02:51The UNC counselors say their boycott is a statement of principle and demand for accountability,
02:57insisting the council owes residents' answers, development, and responsible stewardship of public funds.
