Dear Editor,
In his recent letter published in the Stabroek News on May 26, 2024, under the caption “City Still to Present and Approve Budget for 2024,” Councillor Alfonso De Armas expressed concerns over the city’s delayed budget presentation and approval process. While it is commendable to acknowledge the importance of transparency and accountability in municipal finance, it is essential to clarify certain misconceptions regarding the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in this process. First, it is important to note that the City’s administrative staff prepares the annual budget. This function falls under their scope and mandate and the Councillor must know this basic fact and to purport otherwise is devious, misleading and a calculated effort to smear the character and integrity of the APNU Councillors, who do not have any control over this process.
It is important to clarify that preparing the budget is a task that falls outside the mandate of APNU Councillors or Council in general and which position was purported by the Councillor in his missive. Mr. De Armas fails to acknowledge this fundamental division of responsibilities within the Council. Hence, the implication that APNU Councillors are directly involved in budget preparation is misleading and inaccurate. As a matter of fact, ALL Councillors played a key role in this process – when the draft budget proposal was presented at a Special Meeting of the Council with the said Councillor making significant contributions as noted in the minutes of that meeting.
Furthermore, what Mr. De Armas neglects to address is how his government manipulates the processes such as hiring, firing, and disciplining staff within the council. Despite the council’s wishes, the government appears to exert undue influence over these critical personnel decisions. This interference undermines the Council’s autonomy and raises concerns about political motivations driving administrative actions.
It is essential for transparency and accountability that all stakeholders respect their designated roles and refrain from overstepping boundaries that could compromise the integrity of governance processes. The City Council’s ability to operate independently and make decisions in the best interest of its constituents must be safeguarded against external interference and best practices. In conclusion, it is crucial to recognise and uphold the separation of duties between administrative staff and Councillors while addressing any government overreach that undermines the council’s autonomy.
Sincerely,
Your Worship
Alfred Mentore
Mayor of Georgetown
