Dear Editor,

WITHIN recent times, we at City Hall have noticed letters appearing in certain sections of the media criticizing different aspects of our operation. Some are even downright condemnatory, and others attempt to present a very negative narrative of the council.We welcome them all, although we are very aware that many of these individual letter writers have their personal and other hidden agendas. We see it as part of the democratic process which we embrace as a city and nation, and even those negatives could not prevent such individuals from using media or any other communication infrastructure to achieve their objectives.

Citizens would recall that, about eight months ago, the city was in filth, disorganized, and very ugly. Yet, some of our detractors, who are now writing letters daily in certain sections of the press, did not pen one line against that state of affairs. Now that the council is making an effort to reshape the city in a way that is considerably different from what it was in the recent past, council’s every action is seen negatively by some of those very individuals who remained silent when the city was characterized by piles of rotten garbage, clogged alleyways, and canals in unsafe and unhealthy circumstances.

We are not particularly worried by this strange action of new letter writers and naysayers, but only wish to make this point because it is an important one as we go forward to make Georgetown a better place.

The history of the City Council demonstrates that it has never been afraid of criticism. In fact, we would be the first to admit to our administrative frailties and imperfections, which are not unique to the council; such weaknesses are within the curtilage of all commercial and public organizations, at different levels in many different ways.

Nevertheless, we are taking careful note of all criticisms, and are using them to enhance our strengths and detect and improve on our administrative and other weaknesses.

We thank all those who have been writing, and encourage them to continue to have a keen interest in the affairs of the city.

Moreover, we are committed to democratic values, including the accommodation of different points of view on the way we manage the city.

I wish to say to all of our officers and workers, particularly those who are at our riverfronts, managing our sluices, kokers, pumps and allied drainage equipment; solid waste workers; our public health, food and hygiene and environmental inspectorates; our nurses and caregivers and our security officers and ranks: you are doing a great job. Obviously, there is room for improvement, but I am happy that you are making the effort. Let us remember that our ultimate responsibility is to deliver high-quality service to all citizens. We know that it is a choice to work at City Hall, but it is also an honour to serve our citizens in their local communities.

All employees of the municipality know that we are working on a new attitude towards our work. Consciousness, critical awareness and purpose each have a vital role to play in this new attitude. The duty of all of Council’s workers is to faithfully do their official assignments and remain firmly committed to the vision and mission of the Georgetown Municipality.

Let us also remember that we are a team, partnering with all stakeholders and citizens to promote the sustainable development of this great city of ours.

Finally, we wish to express thanks to all of our citizens for their support and cooperation with our effort to restore Georgetown to its glorious state, to make it compatible with other cities in the Caribbean and the rest of the world, and to allow Georgetown to shine as the glorious sun.
Yours faithfully,
ROYSTON KING
Town Clerk,
City of Georgetown