Dear Editor,
Encomiums are in order for the Stabroek News article of June 17, 2008, page 18, by Oluatoyin Alleyne dealing with the Georgetown Development Plan. It was well researched, vintage stuff and should be read by every truly concerned citizen.
An earlier article in the Kaieteur News, June 13, 2008, page 10, was also well prepared; it dealt with the related question of vehicle parking in the city.
Unhappily instead of devoting their energies to supporting a very well prepared plan for the orderly rehabilitation of Georgetown, we have at high levels of our administration abhorrence for the execution of a proper plan, and instead a liking for the ad hoc, and bullyism.
This is exacerbated by ministers being in constant breach of time-honoured protocol shown by a penchant for dealing directly with municipal bureaucrats – giving them orders and “on the spot guidance” – the hallmark of poor governance in a modern state and a violation of basic democratic principles.
The plan accepted by this Cabinet looked at the transport system and vending; it noted that an effective transport system was vital for the economy. It dealt fully with ways to reduce congestion in Georgetown.
If we were allowed to implement this plan, much of the confusion and worry now evident would not have existed.
But it is yet not too late – City Councillors and the Mayor remain willing, ready and able to work in harmony with the state apparatus to satisfy recommendations in that excellent Georgetown Development Plan. I hope it is not a case where some folks do not have a deep interest in the city, unless they obtain total political control. Is this hegemony or good governance?
We have a recent example as related in the Kaieteur News column, ‘The Parrot Speaks.’ The Parrot blames the Mayor and City Council for the collapsed house at the corner of Smyth and Hadfield streets. What the parrot failed to note or did not know, is that the Town Clerk and the Minister of Works seem to enjoy walking about together to set things right. But somehow they did not notice this building in full view of all, near to a police station and just a few hundred yards away from City Hall.
The building is owned by the government, and the government agency responsible for government buildings is the Ministry of Works; the City Council is responsible for seeing such buildings do not constitute a risk to life and limb. So we note how this threat to life, and others, are routinely ignored, while this duo without consulting the Mayor and Councillors identifies less intrusive violations and moves people at will, even referring to some women and men as “parasites” who only seek to make an honest living where there are no jobs available.
In a serious society for such myopia and dereliction of duty, both persons would not have been able to continue in their posts. But this is Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green, JP
Mayor of Georgetown
