Dear Editor,
Ever so often there is a conflict between the Government of Guyana (Ministry of Local Government) and the Mayor & City Council over finance. Some time ago, the Mayor (Mr Hamilton Green) suggested that the council should entertain the thought of a lottery, but this was disallowed. There has been a steady increase in the number of vehicles in recent times. Surely the Minister of Local Government could ensure that money was made available to the city council; this would be of great help in the upkeep of the roads and drains.
Where the garbage problem is concerned, some time ago a Canadian company made a proposal to the M&CC regarding the recycling of styrofoam boxes and bottles, etc. I went to the city council only to be told they could not afford the payment, due to poor finances and was sent to the Environmental Protection Agency and then to the agency at Sophia only to be told they would call me, but to date no call has come.
Every time the Mayor (Mr Hamilton Green) makes suggestions for enlarging the tax base he is refused, and when the city council presents its budget the Ministry of Local Government reduces it.
If the government reduced VAT, this would help the ratepayers to pay their rates and taxes. I agree that all ratepayers should pay their rates and taxes on time.
Yours faithfully,
Wilfred Eleazar
