7 City Hall treasury staff dismissed for embezzlement

Seven employees of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council’s Treasury Department have been dismissed amid “serious” misconduct claims that have surfaced.
The Local Government Commission made this unanimous decision during a statutory meeting on October 26. It stated on Tuesday that these persons were two tax collection officers; two cashiers and three clerks.
The dismissals are in response to the Mayor and Councillors officially notifying the Local Government Commission of suspected financial irregularities which had surfaced within the City Treasurer’s Department.

“The seven named individuals were then sent on administrative leave to facilitate a full investigation into the alleged fraudulent activities,” said the Commission.
At the conclusion of the investigation, it was determined that the seven individuals were direct participants in the fraudulent financial activities and had breached their fiduciary duties to the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown. Their dismissal took effect on November 2.
Guyana Times understands that the money amounted to just over $900,000.
The Commission also took a decision to revert the Acting City Treasurer, John Douglas, to his substantive position of Accounting Manager. Edwana Miller was appointed to perform the acting duties of City Treasurer.
Section 13 of the Local Government Commission Act, Act No 18 of 2013 empowers the Local Government Commission as the only entity in Guyana with the authority to exercise regulatory and administrative oversight over all Local Government organs in Guyana.
It was just a few months ago that a lack of accountability had Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall making it clear the Government will not be giving any money directly for capital projects.
“We are not going to give City Hall money directly. Because they have not been very forthcoming with how they spend taxpayers’ monies. So, we are going to be doing a lot of the funding, while we agree on what projects will be done, the Government will be spending the resources directly with the concurrence of City Hall on the projects,” he was quoted as saying during a State programme.
After taking office last year, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government had launched an audit into City Hall, which had targeted both the financial and operational makeup of the municipality.
Calls for transparency come on the heels of reports last year that there was no accountability for the $300 million Restoration Fund which was contributed for the restoration of the dilapidated City Hall Building.
In the past, several officers of the Council have been dismissed or disciplined for misconduct and other allegations. (G12)