Dear Mr. Editor,

IT IS a highly contended fact that, for years, Guyana has had innumerable economic and social challenges which have resoundingly impacted the lives of its citizens.While Guyana is not unique in having these challenges, it is arguable that many of these were the consequences of poor political decisions and governance. These negative implications also led to a systematic degradation of institutional functioning. One of the prime examples of this breakdown in institutional functioning is the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown. The Mayor and City Council suffered greatly under a system of malicious and nepotistic governance, which deprived it of much-needed resources to carry out its functions effectively. And thus the Mayor and City Council was rendered hapless, though it was well aware of the needs of the citizens of Georgetown.

It is clear that, on May 11, 2015, the Mayor and City Council, and by extension the City of Georgetown, was given opportunity to finally function as an effective institution with the citizens’ interests as priority. And though there were renewed enthusiasm and willingness to revive an ailing system, revival of the system was not without its costs. The reorientation of an institution and a society as a whole takes time, especially when the ills they face were engrained in their functioning for decades.

Nevertheless, this old order of operation must be completely removed, and a reintroduction to what is right and lawful should become the new norm.

Unfortunately, not all would agree to be rebuked for habits that are not in alignment with what is seen as just and lawful. Too many have subconsciously become cultured to what is distasteful, wrong, and in most cases unlawful, making it difficult for them to abide by what ought to be. Perhaps it may be safe to say that old habits die hard, but they must be outright denounced and eliminated.

The M&CC has recently come under fire from many in the public for exercising its constitutional and statutory obligations. It is quite ironic that some of these same critics were condemning the M&CC under the previous dispensation for not upholding its constitutional functions and obligations. It brings to mind the old adage of “doomed if you do and doomed if you don’t”. Trying to restore some semblance of order and discipline to a city that had reclined in dysfunction is not an easy task; and these critics may or may not know the enormity of such a responsibility. I dare say that they should try stepping in the shoes of the ones tasked with this job and make their judgements after.

Perhaps some, more than others, are too quick to forget the past. There was a time prior to May 11, 2015, when one could only wish that after a moderate shower of rain lasting less than 15 minutes, there would be no widespread floods across the city. Or one could only wish that there were no huge piles of garbage build-ups outside the Stabroek and Bourda markets, with spillages into the streets on a daily basis. Who can recall the days when sewage and garbage would clog almost every drain in the city and overflow in the streets? Further, can anyone remember being able to see past the first row of tombs in the Le Repentir Cemetery? These are no longer usual occurrences within the city, and, as such, it shows that the Council has worked to improve the lives of residents; albeit, there is still much more to be done.

The Council has been trying, and should be commended for a decent effort thus far. However, the Council has accomplished much over the one-year period under the new administration. These accomplishments have had even more significance and credibility with the installation of the new councillors after the APNU/AFC Administration delivered faithfully on its campaign promise of local government elections held this March.

Clearly, much effort and resources have been expended within the last fourteen months in restoring cleanliness and decency to the city. Particularly, millions of dollars have been spent on desilting canal and drains, and clearing alleyways and cemeteries around Georgetown. Many can attest to benefiting from the recently introduced green spaces set up by Council. Of noteworthy mention is the Merriman’s Mall green recreational park.

The Council has since worked to repair a number of culverts around Georgetown, specifically East Ruimveldt, which is prone to flooding. There has been great improvement in the management of solid waste; hardly are our main thoroughfares used as dumpsites. One can easily notice the change in how our avenues are being maintained. A quick walk down Main Street between Church and Lamaha streets will prove this. The same is true if you take a walk along Camp Street between Church and Lamaha streets. The results are evident for all to take note and benefit.

There is also the recent move by Council to regulate street vending with the introduction of the “Parliament View Mall”, which will soon be upgraded with new tents, water and security staff. Persons can now walk freely, without encountering encumbrances on the streets and pavements. One can walk along certain streets in Georgetown without fear that a criminal element may attack and flee into the mountain of obstructions along the pavement.

Also, the Council has addressed the needs of its staff by initiating negotiations with many prominent international organisations and countries to assist in capacity building for its staff. In fact, the M&CC is currently in the process of penning an agreement with one of Guyana’s largest international donor agencies to fund the development of its Corporate Governance and Financial Management Strategy. This agreement will see the implementation of a governance framework that guides the Council’s operation and financial accountability. It also comes with the added benefit of having staff go overseas for training in these two areas.

Again, the Mayor and City Council has tarried, and has accomplished much in a short space of time; but more needs to be done in order for us to rise and regain our regional acclaim of being the Garden City.

It is true that the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and so we continue to pursue every available local, regional and international avenue to collaborate to develop the City. Of course, like most things in life, there is the great need for adequate financing. This is crucial to ensure that the Council’s vision for a model City, both as it pertains to aesthetics and to administration, is accomplished. This means that the Council needs to re-examine its revenue sources, since revenue now comes mainly from the collection of taxes. This is the part that brings some amount of taboo, as people often attach a negative connotation to paying taxes; but it is a harsh reality that we all must face.

For many decades, there have been several property owners who are either evading or avoiding property taxes, while the rest of the citizenry, including pensioners, carry the weight of this burden. To correct this flaw in the system, the Council will have to make the decision to have an across-the-board percentage increase in taxes for every property in the city, so a temporary correction could be in place to allow Council to do its work. There are many instances in the city where properties would have been converted from residential to commercial use, but the owners continue to pay residential rates. These are issues the Council is seeking to address, to ensure equity in cost distribution of the vital municipal services it provides to local communities. Capturing these funds will go a long way towards improving the efficiency and frequency of services, and would provide an avenue for the Council to enhance its infrastructure in keeping with the Garden City image.

Already, efforts are afoot for the implementation of systems that will correct the abuse of public space, which leads to negative externalities to the wider citizenry. One of the newest initiatives is the application of a container fee for companies occupying the roads to park container trucks for extended periods. These trucks not only damage Council’s property, but are, more importantly, seen as traffic obstructions which could be fatal.

Likewise, the Council is moving to institute a system where all vehicles used for public transportation will have to comply with the Municipal and District Council’s Act Chapter 28:01, Sections 301 (26) and (35), which give the Council the right to regulate such transportation. Implementation of these regulations serves a dual purpose of garnering revenue for the Council to execute much-needed works and lending to the efforts of reducing traffic congestion within the city. Unlike what some may think, the Council is not unique in its approach to applying charges for the misuse of public property. It is general practice internationally in some of the best cities around the world to institute these charges which, in turn, help in the proper administration of services for the residents.

However, the Council has had its challenges as it relates to the provision of services and its general administration. However, challenges are a part of life; they help to mould us into who we later become. And as we work together, there will be instances when we all do not agree on an approach. But it would be a fallacy to suggest that a mutually beneficial relationship cannot be forged if we all are working towards the main aim of developing Georgetown. A team united must never self-destruct because of egos and selfish agendas. It is, in fact, through ‘agreeable disagreements’ that equitable solutions are most often found, so that there is maximization of benefits that accrue to all.

The Council welcomes constructive criticisms and inquisitions from the residents of Georgetown, because they are the ones we work to satisfy; they are the ones we turn up every day to serve with pride. The Council thank the residents for entrusting their confidence in us, and admonish them to continue giving us their unswerving support as we cooperate for the restoration and development of Georgetown.

ROYSTON KING
Town Clerk
City of Georgetown