By Readawne Henery
Ubraj Narine and Alfred Mentore were yesterday re-elected as Mayor and Deputy Mayor, respectively, by the Georgetown City Council.
Narine and Mentore, both APNU councillors, were re-elected unopposed to serve in the ensuing year, 2021, which will be the third year they will be holding their respective posts.
Narine was nominated by fellow APNU Councillor Gregory Fraser, while Mentore was nominated by fellow APNU Councillor Clayton Hinds.
APNU controls 21 of 30 seats on the council and as a result their re-election was assured.
Following his election, Narine, expressed his gratitude to “God, the almighty” and to his party, the PNCR, which he said continues to have confidence in him.
He added that his two years of being Mayor of Georgetown were not easy but added that he appreciates the opportunity.
Speaking on the achievements while serving as Mayor, Narine said the council was able to formulate and adopt several policies and added that several others are currently being worked on.
In relation to garbage disposal, he said the amount owed has been significantly reduced and disclosed that from $32 million previously owed when he took office, the debt now stands at approximately $15 million.
Narine also mentioned the Redevelopment of Stabroek Square Project, while saying that the Stabroek area is an eyesore and in need of a good system and management.
He added that in spite of him sharing the project details with government officials, no word has been received to date.
Narine also called on the government to work with the city to address climate change, while explaining that efforts can start at the level of solid waste management.
Narine further explained the need to lean towards what he termed “clean up and green up,” using a recycling plant and a national solid waste management plan.
Against this background, he called on the Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall to take notice of the issues and place attention on solid waste, drainage and irrigation.
He later explained that the council is doing its part and expects the same from the Local Government Ministry.
Narine also made mention of the taxes owed to the council by various businesses and persons living in residential areas and which amount to approximately $8 billion in total. He further disclosed that government ministries and agencies have outstanding arrears amounting to close to $1 billion.
He noted that Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, during a recent walkabout in Albouys-town, sought to disparage the Mayor and City Council over the state of the area. However, Narine said that should the Transport and Harbours Depart-ment, which falls under the Works Ministry, pay the council the $400 million in taxes it owes, the alleyways and bridges and other areas in the community could be cleaned.
He reminded that the council relies on taxes to function in the right way.
Narine also extended his gratitude to the team of city administrators for playing their parts as he voiced his hopes for the administration of the city to be neutral and not partisan.
Meanwhile, Mentore, also said he was honoured to be re-elected for a third consecutive term to serve the citizens of the city of Georgetown.
He expressed his gratitude to work alongside Narine and added that he is grateful for the confidence placed in him by his fellow councillors and the congregation of the PNCR, especially Chairperson Volda Lawrence.
Additionally, Councillor Oscar Clarke was re-elected as Chair-man of the Finance Committee along with Councillor Ivelaw Henry as Vice Chairman.
Supporters gathered outside of the City Hall to show their support for Narine and his team.
