THE Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown are extremely perturbed over the increasing number of individuals who have been taking over our alleyways, reserves, thoroughfares and other open spaces.These areas are collectively owned by all citizens of Georgetown. No one should have exclusive rights to these facilities without the consideration and fiat of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown – the competent authority to address such matters.
Also, the Mayor and City Council has noticed that a number of leases of its reserves have expired, but those concerned are still occupying those reserves.
The Council wishes to inform those involved that it has put on hold the review of all such leases for the following reasons:-
1] Many of these leases are not used or are under-utilised by lessees
2] Many of those areas and reserves leased to individuals are over-grown with long grass and bushes and provide seclusion for those who are intent on criminal activities.
3] Contracts drawn up to lease such reserves were done in an unfavourable and disadvantageous manner to the Council; the Council benefits little or nothing at all from such leases.
The Office of the Town Clerk is in the process of doing an analysis and preparing a comprehensive and full report on the way forward in this area of Council’s responsibility.
In the meantime, we expect those whose leases have expired to desist from trespassing on Council’s reserves and properties and to seek an audience with the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown. Also, we expect those whose leases are still in force, particularly along our waterfronts and high commercial areas to ensure that they pay all monies owed the Council forthwith.
Those who neglect to pay fees for leases and other facilities will have those leases revoked by the Mayor and City Council.
Again, all those who have taken personal control of our parapets and our alleyways are asked one final time to release those leases back to the portfolio of the Mayor and City Council.

ROYSTON KING
Town Clerk
City of Georgetown