…GPL, NIS, others owed

By Svetlana Marshall
THE newly-appointed Interim Management Committee (IMC) at Bartica, Region Seven, has major plans in store for Bartica before its imminent township status, but it has to undo the damage done by the previous IMC.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, newly-appointed IMC Chairman Gifford Marshall said upon assuming office he was faced with empty coffers and millions in debt.

According to documents seen by this newspaper, the IMC owes the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) close to $1M for the supply of electricity. The Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) office has an outstanding electricity bill of $556,377; the Market Building, $431,637; and the abattoir building, $28,385. And gratuity owed two of the office’s 15 employees amounts to approximately $200,000.

Moreover, the new IMC would have also received a document from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) indicating that some $906,553 in contributions is outstanding. “This is most troubling, because we have a staff of about 15 persons or less, and we have a NIS bill of $900,000-plus dollars,” Marshall said.

DEDUCTED, NOT SUBMITTED
The Ministry of Communities has launched an investigation into all the financial discrepancies that have been brought to light since the instillation of this new IMC on November 13, 2015.

“Well, an investigation is on right now, because it seems as if NIS was deducted but it was never submitted, because this is what NIS submitted to us,” Marshall explained.

NO MONEY FOR SALARIES
Asked whether the IMC is financially capable of surmounting the financial burden it currently faces, Marshall responded in the negative, saying that only $147,000 was left in the accounts – $114, 000 in the Market Account and $33,000 in the General Account. As a result, the IMC has no money to pay workers their salaries.

Marshall said the IMC will now be looking to the Ministry of Communities to help offset these expenses. “We cannot go into the New Year or even a township owing NIS and even GPL hundreds of thousands of dollars,” he lamented.

Despite major objection from residents, in May 2012 the then People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government through its Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development dissolved the NDC and replaced it with an IMC comprising 15 of its supporters.

The last Chairman prior to this new IMC was Pastor Ovid Benjamin. The APNU+AFC Government through the Ministry of Communities installed a new IMC in Bartica after it was discovered that the Committee led by Benjamin had become dysfunctional.

Marshall said since the installation of the new committee discussions were held with the past members to have a greater understanding of what may have been the reason for the high debts incurred by them.

“They are saying they would have inherited some of these expenses but we are thinking if you are going to be responsible managers you need to find a way to get rid of these debts.”

Investigation into the financial owes facing the IMC is likely to be completed soon. A report will be submitted to the ministry and then the IMC. “Investigators were in there last week and they promised that they will give a report to the minister and so we will be able to see where the weaknesses are within the system. Then we will be able to have a projection as to how many rates and taxes are likely to be collected yearly.”

Residents of Bartica are now being urged not to get frustrated with the committee but to offer their support as the IMC works earnestly to address the many issues it currently faces.

TRANSFORMATION
However, Marshall said ahead of the March 18, 2016 Local Government Elections, the IMC will be working with stakeholders in and around Bartica to transform the physical, economic and social landscapes of the community.

Already, the IMC would have had consultations with the Ministry of Communities, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, commercial banks and a number of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) including the Lions Club of Bartica, Red Cross, Bartica and Bartica Indigenous Green Enterprise (BIGE).

“All of these groups and organisations have committed to doing their part in this transition period,” the Chairman posited.

With the support of these organisations and the residents of Bartica, the IMC will be working to promote the sustainable exploitation of the community’s natural resources.

Additionally, it will be moving to establish a “good” solid waste programme, develop and implement green technologies and promote the ecological integrity of the forests. These plans, the chairman said, are in keeping with President David Granger’s pledge to transform Bartica into the country’s first ‘Green Town’.

“In the coming months, residents can expect to see a number of changes as we implement initiatives to fast track the development of Bartica,” the newly-appointed Chairman said, adding that the service sector would be enhanced even as the West Indian Housing Scheme is transformed into a ‘green’ zone.

Currently rehabilitative work is ongoing at the Cenotaph, another area identified to become a ‘green space’ along with band stand.

Clearing of the parapets and drains of shrubs, weeds and derelict objects is also on the agenda. Despite inheriting a ruined management system, empty coffers, unlawful practices and derelict infrastructure, Marshall reiterated that the IMC is determined to aggressively move Bartica forward.

“Bartica must become the pride of Guyana, jewel of South America and the envy of the Caribbean. We are one in a million destinations that offers natural wonders, coveted natural resources, stunning wildlife, scenic landscape and a hospitable people all in one package,” the IMC Chairman said, emphasizing that it is time for Bartica to be placed among the world’s top tourist destinations.