– as M&CC extends amnesty to Dec 15
THE Mayor and City Council has extended the closing date for its amnesty from November 30, 2010 to December 15, 2010, allowing defaulting rate payers to have another opportunity to settle their accounts at City Hall. Public Relations Officer at the M&CC, Mr. Royston King said that, as a result of overwhelming requests by property-owners, the municipality has extended the closing date for the waiver of all interests on all demand provided property-owners pay in full their accounts for 2010. 

Over the last few weeks, King said a fair number of rate- payers took advantage of the amnesty and liquidated their arrears.

However, many home-owners, some of whom have been in default for several years, have not settled their accounts at the City Treasury. 

As a result, the anticipated collection of $200 millions has not been realised.

Obviously, this would affect the ability of the municipality to provide critical services and facilities to the citizens of Georgetown, he said in a statement.

“Notwithstanding, council continues to provide an opportunity to allow property- owners to honour their civic obligation to the city,” King stated.

“The council understands and is very mindful of the difficulties faced by rate- payers. However, it still remains an extremely daunting task for the council to fulfill its obligation to the citizens on its narrow revenue base,” he added.

Therefore, as the municipality seeks to assist citizens to pay, by granting an extension of the amnesty, it expects all defaulters to settle in full their accounts at City Hall.

King said all arrangements have been put in place at the Treasury to reduce waiting time. Therefore, business-owners and rate-payers can visit the treasury and pay their rates. There is not likely to be any further extension of this facility.