BUSINESSES and private citizens must obtain prior permission in writing if they propose to erect signs on the City Council’s roads, pavements, parapets and other thoroughfares, according to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).Recently the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) wrote to Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud seeking his assistance in the recovery of signs that were seized from in front of its Freedom House headquarters on Robb Street, Georgetown.
According to the party, the signs were removed by M&CC workers without consent. The party considered the act offensive and called for the return of its property.
The council in a press statement noted that it would be unlawful to erect any sign or place anything on council’s thoroughfare without the requisite permission in writing.
The council observed also that businesses and individuals have been eluding the process, which requires them to seek permission in writing before placing or erecting any such signs.
Before any sign is erected on council’s thoroughfares, the inspectors of the City Engineer Department are required to conduct the appropriate inspections to determine the suitability of the area.
The Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, relating to streets and other places states:  “No person shall leave, place or store, or cause to be left placed or stored, any vehicle, cart, dray, barrel, box, dust-bin, tree trunk, branch, limb, or any other thing upon any street, parapet or pavement, with any vehicle, cart, dray, barrel, box, dust bin, or other thing.
The M&CC noted that the City Engineer shall have the power to remove any such vehicle, cart, dray, barrel, box, dust-bin, tree trunk, branch, limb or other thing whatsoever left, placed or stored and the cost of removing any such thing may be recovered by the Town Clerk in a court of competent jurisdiction from any such person.
Persons who are desirous of erecting signs in the city should seek permission in writing from the Office of the Town Clerk.