Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, has addressed a recent decision by the Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore, and the opposition-led City Council to grant a 25% waiver on outstanding rates owed by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT).
She described this move as both alarming and unlawful, citing Section 215(3) of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Cap. 28:01, which stipulates that any discount on rates must not exceed 10%. By approving a waiver more than double the legally permitted limit, Parag contends that the Mayor and Council have disregarded both the rule of law and their fiduciary responsibilities to Georgetown’s citizens.
Parag pointed out that this decision comes amid the Council’s frequent complaints of financial strain and repeated requests for bailouts from the Central Government. She questioned how the Council, while pleading poverty, could choose to relinquish substantial revenue that could otherwise support essential services such as garbage collection, market management, and overall sanitation—areas where she noted the Council’s persistent failures.
Highlighting concerns over the Council’s financial management practices, Parag argued that rather than prioritizing the collection of funds owed to the city, the Council has opted to grant concessions that are not only legally dubious but also fiscally irresponsible. Given these circumstances, she called for an urgent review of the decision to ensure it aligns with legal standards and safeguards Georgetown’s financial integrity.
Parag also expressed broader concerns regarding the Council’s pattern of financial mismanagement and political maneuvering. She indicated that this waiver decision follows a similar, controversial move by the Council in August 2024, where it approved a waiver for political parties—a decision strongly opposed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). She noted that the opposition owes substantial sums in rates and taxes for its Sophia headquarters, funds that could significantly benefit the people of Georgetown.
The Minister questioned the motivations behind these decisions, asking whether the Council’s actions genuinely serve Georgetown’s citizens or are aimed at advancing selective political interests. Parag asserted that these troubling implications demand transparency and emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to monitoring these developments closely. She reiterated that all municipal actions must strictly adhere to the law and prioritize the welfare of Georgetown’s residents above political considerations.
Georgetown’s citizens, she affirmed, deserve better.
