Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine has reiterated the need for businesses operating in the city to pay their fair share of taxes, while saying that the municipality is currently receiving a quarter of what it needs to function.
A press release from the Office of the Mayor said Narine made his position known in a recent interview.
Stabroek News was unable to make contact with Narine for further comment.
According to the release, Narine highlighted the recent construction of high-rise buildings in the city, which he said continue to pay nominal sums for taxes while imposing the added strain on solid waste collection.
“We need every resident, business establishment and state agency to continue to make efforts to settle arrears with M&CC, this will ensure we are well equipped to effectively execute the work of the council,” he further said, while noting that it is untenable for the city to only receive 25% of what is needed.
“There are still significant sums outstanding by some state agencies, notwithstanding the efforts by others to settle their debts,” he added, while applauding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Parliament and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for making their payments current.
The release further shared that Narine encouraged the government and legislators in the National Assembly to work together to consider giving attention to this issue.
The release stated that the City of Georgetown is going through significant changes as the oil and gas economy develops, and the Municipal government will continue to play its role to aid development and safeguard the welfare of its citizens.
