Mayor to seek Council’s approval to release list of delinquent businesses

Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine has told media operatives that the Council will have to decide on whether the list of businesses that owe taxes to City Hall should be released in the public domain.

He made this comment on Wednesday in light of remarks emanating from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GGCI) that a list should be provided after Narine pointed out that some 140 enterprises are delinquent tax payers.
The GCCI expressed disappointment at the “public and broad brush attack on the integrity of the entire business sector” by the Mayor. In fact, the body said it was looking forward to being briefed on the Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC) plan for the city as well as its financial position.
On Friday last, Mayor Narine called a press conference where he complained that over 140 city business proprietors have failed to pay taxes, which results in the build-up of garbage in Georgetown.
The Mayor had complained that the overflow of garbage in the city was as a result of damages to the tyres of the lone tractor owned by the City Council.
A replacement of the tyres is difficult to obtain locally, he said, which saw the garbage bins throughout Georgetown being left unattended for the past three days. Further, it is expensive to buy new tractors, the Mayor noted.

The Mayor then lambasted some 144 “high-end businesses” in Georgetown which have failed to pay their taxes and who owes City Hall billions.
According to Narine, City Hall is willing to procure two additional tractors, however, this is difficult since the finances are unavailable.
However, the GCCI, which represents businesses in the city and on the outskirts of the country, said that the remarks shared by Narine were rather “displeasing”.
“The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) notes the recent public comments of His Worship, The Mayor Ubraj Narine, which it finds displeasing to the intended spirit of a recent meeting convened with the new Mayor at which the Chamber extended an olive branch to discuss issues, not limited to but including those, which may be hindering the City Council’s collection of taxes,” the body stated.
According to the Chamber, all of its members are mandated to adhere to its code of conduct which includes respect and adherence to all legislative framework, inclusive of tax payments.
“The GCCI has always stood on the side of the rule of law and will continue to encourage all businesses in Georgetown, both members and non-members of the GCCI to be responsible in their civic duty of paying taxes,” the Private Sector body assured.
It further stressed the importance of businesses, noting that they create employment and economic activities to benefit everyone.
As customary, 30 Councillors would vote on decisions to be taken by the Council, where the majority would determine what action should be taken. This process would be spearheaded by the Mayor and overseen by the Town Clerk.