PUBLIC Relations Officer (PRO) at the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), Debra Lewis, has said that the municipality will be proceeding to initiate legal action against businesses and corporations that have defaulted in payment of rates and taxes.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle at City Hall recently, Lewis informed that a number of these businesses have been identified and within a few days’ time, a full list of their names will be published.

“We will put it on social media, print and electronic media. What is worrying is that in 2015 and 2016, we provided amnesty and many did not make use of it. Some didn’t even bother to inquire of their status,” Lewis said.

In 2017, however, she said the M&CC will embark on an “aggressive” campaign against rates defaulters since the Council needs “every single cent” to provide services. In a press release earlier, the M&CC said some of the businesses include Sunglow Industries, Abdul & Sakina Sattur, Guyana Development Corps, Property Protection Services, Wraylite Engineering Company, and Correia’s Enterprise Limited.

“The owners of several businesses and corporations which are on the delinquent list did not even see it necessary to make use of the facility or to seek an audience with the Georgetown Municipality concerning their status on rates owed,” the M&CC said.

In addition, last year, the Council obtained judgment from the Court against Jaikarans and Sons, Ashmin Trading Co, CR Jacobs & Sons, Vinelli Industry and Vernon Garraway.

“The action of corporations and big businesses of not paying their rates to the Council is inconsistent with their corporate social responsibility and a contravention of the City By-Laws. Their actions have affected the delivery of vital services such as drainage works, road repairs, and maintenance of parks, gardens and open spaces,” M&CC said.