Dear Editor,
For years Guyana has had innumerable economic and social challenges which have had resounding impacts on the lives of citizens. While Guyana is not unique in having these challenges, many of these were the consequences of poor political decisions and governance. This led to a systematic degradation of institutional functioning, as in the case of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) which suffered greatly under a system of malicious and nepotistic governance that deprived it of much needed resources to carry out its functions effectively.
On May 11, 2015, the Mayor and City Council was given the opportunity to finally function as an effective institution with the citizens’ interests as priority. And though there was renewed enthusiasm and willingness to revive an ailing system, it was not without its costs. The reorientation of an institution and a society take time, especially when the ills they face have been ingrained for decades.
Nevertheless, this old order of operation must be completely removed and what is right and lawful should become the new norm. Unfortunately, not everyone would agree to be rebuked for habits that are not in alignment with what is seen as just and lawful. Too many have become subconsciously acculturated to what is distasteful and wrong, and it is difficult for them to abide by what ought to be.
The council has recently come under fire from many members of the public for exercising its constitutional and statutory obligations. It is quite ironic that some of these same critics were condemning the council under the previous dispensation for not upholding its constitutional functions and obligations. It brings to mind the old adage of ‘damned if you do and damned 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 that.
Perhaps, some more than others, are too quick to forget the past. There was a time prior to May 11, 2015, when one wished that after a moderate shower of rain lasting less than 15 minutes there would be no widespread floods across the city. Or one wished that there would be no huge piles of garbage 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 into 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. However, there is still much more to be done; the council has been trying and it should be commended for a decent effort thus far.
The council has accomplished much over the one-year period under the new administration. These accomplishments become more significant given the installation of the new councillors in March after the APNU+AFC administration delivered faithfully on its campaign promise of local government elections.
Clearly, much effort and resources have been expended in restoring cleanliness and decency to the city within the last fourteen months. In particular, millions of dollars have been spent on desilting canals and drains, and clearing alleyways and cemeteries. Many can attest to benefiting from the recently introduced green spaces set up by the council. Of noteworthy mention is the Merriman Mall green recreational park. The council has since worked to repair a number of culverts around Georgetown, specifically in East Ruimveldt which is prone to flooding. There has been a 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 see. 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 having to negotiate encumbrances on the streets and pavements. One can walk along certain streets in Georgetown without fear that criminal elements may attack and flee into the mountain of obstructions along the pave.
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. In fact, the Mayor and City Council 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 accomplished much in a short space of time. But more needs to be done in order for us to rise and regain regional acclaim as 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 administration, is accomplished. This means that the council needs to re-examine its revenue sources which mainly come from the collection of taxes. This is the part that brings some amount of opprobrium 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 have been evading property taxes, while the rest of the citizenry, including pensioners, carry the weight of their 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 have been converted from residential to commercial use but where the owners continue to pay residential rates. These are issues the council is seeking to address to ensure equity. Capturing these funds will go a long way to improving the efficiency and frequency of services. It also provides 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. One of the most recent initiatives is the application of a container fee for companies parking container trucks on the roads for extended periods. These trucks not only damage council property but are seen as traffic obstructions which could cause accidents. Likewise, the council is moving to institute a system whereby all vehicles used for public transportation will have to comply with the Municipal and District Council’s Act Chapter 28:01Section 301 (26) and (35) which gives the M&CC the right to regulate such transportation. Implementation of these regulations serves a dual purpose of garnering revenue for the council so it can execute much needed works and at the same time reduce traffic congestion. Contrary to 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 in some of the best cities around the world.
As we work together there will be instances where we do not all agree on an approach. But it would be a fallacy to suggest that a mutually beneficial relationship cannot be forged if we are all working towards the main aim of developing Georgetown. A team united must never self-destruct due to egos and selfish agendas. It is in fact through ‘agreeable disagreements’ that equitable solutions are most often found. The council welcomes constructive criticism and inquisitions from the residents of Georgetown because they are the ones we work to satisfy; they are the ones for whom we turn up every day to serve with pride. The council thanks the residents for their confidence and admonishes them to continue giving us their unswerving support as we cooperate for the restoration and development of Georgetown.
Yours faithfully,
Royston King
Town Clerk
City of Georgetown
