TO describe a group of City Hall workers as mafia is certainly at least uncomplimentary and guilty of deliberate flouting of the laws. So we await with bated breath the anticipated announcement by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development finally on the decision which has been arrived at with regard to certain workers.
It is appropriate at this time to reflect on the sorry state of affairs that has been hampering the efficient management of Guyana’s premier municipality in our capital city. To say that there has been for several years within the council, as well as consistent cries by the Mayor about the shortage of funds, is reflective truism and is well demonstrated by the abject failure in providing minimum services, expected from an important entity as the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.
Over the most recent years, it has become legendary the official pronouncements on the incidents of malpractices associated with conducting business with City Hall. The most comprehensive revealing investigation was compiled in the Burrowes Report in which massive fraud was cited. Much relevant action by the authorities appears to have been taken in respect to the Burrowes’ recommendations, culminating with the recent Ministry of Local Government & Regional Development’s release that the fate of City Hall mafia is to be announced within a week.
It would not be unreasonable at this time to assume that the massive fraud said to be unmasked in the Burrowes Report will form the main thrust of the ministry’s announcement. After all the constant upheaval which pervades City Hall about the inability to pay wages and suppliers of essential services causing severe embarrassment, not only to itself but Central Government, is also pilloried with unnecessary accusations, which are entirely the making of the M&CC.
If the mafia at City Hall is guilty of contributing to the deficient cash problem, it is the hope that the full force of the law be employed against them for causing the constant impecunious situation which occurs every so often.
This matter cannot be lightly dismissed and City Hall must not believe that sending the wrong message will be condoned. The culprits must be made to pay by the maximum punishment possible.
The citizens of Georgetown expect nothing less.
Since writing the above, an unofficial report in our daily newspapers indicated that four senior officers, now on enforced leave, have been issued letters of termination of their services. My own initial comment, if the report is true, the punishment is not commensurate with the extent of malpractices and gross inefficiencies as reported in published records.