CLERK of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), Royston King, is exploring the idea of meeting with other town clerks in the country in order to improve and share operational methods.“Forming a Town Clerks Association would foster knowledge-sharing, exchange activities, and stronger alliances between the municipalities,” King said.

“Municipalities across the country are seeking new ways to tackle burning problems facing their regions, and have thus explored the option of a Town Clerks’ Association. This would be the first of its kind in Guyana,” King said recently.

He reportedly held an exploratory meeting earlier this month with town clerks outside of Georgetown, who confirmed that their agencies face basically similar problems. The absolute necessity for such a body was emphasized given the meagre resources available to all municipalities in Guyana.

Sharon Alexander and Diana Critchlow, the respective town clerks of New Amsterdam and Anna Regina, having complained bitterly about the collection of solid waste, taxes and revenue generation and collection in their municipalities, have both endorsed the initiative.

At the meeting, Critchlow explained that her council cannot generate enough money to provide the necessary services, and she said this has affected workers’ pay. Giving an example, she said that only recently she had signed off workers’ cheques for the previous month. She added that taxpayers are delinquent with their dues, but noted the insufficient collection system.

“Large stall rentals are outstanding to the tune of millions of dollars,” she disclosed.

Meanwhile, Alexander noted that town clerks are in need of the requisite training. She pointed out that New Amsterdam also battles with issues of solid waste collection and finances. She insisted that more work has to be done with town clerks to equip them for their duties and responsibilities.

“We need training in this area,” she suggested.

A follow-up meeting is scheduled at the Georgetown M&CC sometime in October. There, decisions will be taken on registering the body and electing its administrative members.