Dear Editor,
The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown note the recent statements attributed to Honourable Prime Minister Brigadier (retd) Mark Phillips, which were reported on June 6, 2022.
First, the Council has expressed no confidence in City Engineer Colvern Venture, following repeated challenges and failures.
This decision of the Council has been forwarded to the Local Government Commission; unfortunately, over six months later, there can be no pronouncement. The Honourable Prime Minister could use his good office, given his interest in affairs of the city, to have this matter addressed. The LGC cannot be derelict in its duty to act on the decisions of the Council to bring relief to the citizens of Georgetown.
Secondly, it must be noted that the Council has repeatedly complained about the taxes owed by state agencies, which account for a significant debt to the city. These resources are vital to ensure consistent service is given to the citizens of Georgetown — a city which continues to be pressured owing to outdated laws, and is grappling with a changing landscape as a result of the new oil and gas economy.
Thirdly, the Honourable Prime Minister, in his warnings, must indicate to Government agencies, such as the Ministry of Public Works and the Guyana Revenue Authority, that illegal drainage works in the city would only compromise our delicate drainage infrastructure if done without consultation with the municipality. The Council has noted several illegal construction activities in the city, most recently on Camp Street in front of GRA, which are being done without even the courtesy of consultation with the engineers of the Municipality. We can only hope that these works do not negatively affect surrounding drains.
The Council also encourages the Honourable Prime Minister to warn his colleagues that His Excellency’s “One Guyana” initiative can only be realised if all stakeholders are involved in the process.
The Mayor and Councillors continue to advocate for meaningful engagement and partnerships for the benefit of the citizens of Georgetown. The Council frowns on attempts to score cheap political points and engaging in one-upmanship as we work together for a better future for all Guyanese.
M&CC
