Dear Editor,
We have noticed certain statements made by the Private Sector Commission in certain sections of the media on the Mayor and Council. In the Stabroek News of August 10 the caption `Private Sector won’t be bullied by the City Hall’ attributed to the chairman of the Private Sector Commission, presents the wrong picture of the collective effort of the Georgetown City Council. It has never been the practice of the Georgetown Municipality to bully anyone let alone the Private Sector – a body for which the Council has great respect and is in consultation to advance the interest of the city.
It must be noted, however, that all we are seeking to do is to persuade the Private Sector and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce to pay their just and fair share of taxes and to make their contribution to the restoration and development of the city.
The city has its statutory responsibility; to provide and maintain streets and other public thoroughfares as stipulated in the Municipal and District Council’s Act chapter 28:01. Also, to maintain roads, bridges, and parapets.
However, we need the full support and co-operation of all our partners including the Private Sector. The container fee provides an opportunity for the Council and its partners to secure the integrity of roads, bridges, reserves and parapets more particularly it provides an opportunity to have more revenue to ensure the public and environmental health of the City and to create an enabling environment for all of our entrepreneurs.
The council is in the process of identifying members to sit on the tripartite committee consisting of members from the Private Sector Commission and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce to address other initiatives including a charge per tonnage per cargo.
The Council administration is firm on its position as it relates to the city by-laws and regulations stipulated in the Municipal and District Council’s Act 28:01. Also, it is committed to the development of Georgetown to a level that is comparable to great cities of the world and to leave a legacy of safety and goodness for the next generation. While we are not in the practice of bullying anyone we remain committed to the statutory obligation and to ensure that the city is properly managed.
It is the sincere hope of the City Council that the Private Sector Commission and Georgetown Chamber of Commerce can work together to advance the interest of the Capital City.
Debra Lewis
Public Relations Officer
Mayor and City Council
