Dear Editor,
The recent criticism from Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag about the Georgetown Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC) choice to eliminate interest on overdue general rates has ignited a lively discussion. Although the Minister argues that the Council’s actions were illegal, the situation is much more nuanced—and the M&CC’s decision was not only ethically right but also a crucial measure to shield at-risk citizens from economic distress.
The primary concern is the alarming number of residents in Georgetown—about 40% of property owners—who are significantly in debt to the city due to unpaid general rates. A significant portion of these individuals are not intentionally defaulting but are instead struggling due to economic challenges, including rising living expenses, job loss, and the ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. If the city were to strictly implement tax collection without any relief initiatives, numerous families could face the threat of losing their homes and businesses, which would lead to a humanitarian and economic crisis.
The Mayor and City Council acknowledged the severity of this crisis and pursued a practical solution: eliminating interest on overdue payments to promote compliance and alleviate the struggles faced by residents. This decision was not a challenge to authority but an essential step to avert extensive property confiscations and uphold social stability.
Minister Parag contends that the M&CC exceeded its legal jurisdiction, referencing the Municipal and District Councils Act that assigns financial regulatory authority to the Minister rather than the Council. Although the legal argument has validity, it overlooks an essential issue: What is the role of local government if it does not address the pressing needs of its community?
The Council’s choice was not an effort to seize power but rather an urgent reaction to a critical circumstance. If the national government chooses inaction, should the city remain idle while its citizens endure hardship? The Council’s action was a temporary solution, not a long-term strategy, and it could have been handled through cooperation instead of conflict.
This isn’t the initial instance of a local government taking measures to support taxpayers in need. Authorities across the globe, including those in Guyana, have enacted tax amnesties, structured payment plans, and interest relief during times of economic hardship. The M&CC’s strategy is consistent with these international best practices, understanding that imposing harsh interest on financially struggling individuals only exacerbates poverty and diminishes future revenue.
Moreover, the Council’s action was framed as being in the public interest—a principle that should guide all levels of government. If the Minister believes the Council erred, the solution should be dialogue and reform, not threats of legal action that further alienate struggling citizens.
Instead of criticizing the M&CC, the Minister ought to initiate productive dialogues to reach a legally viable and compassionate resolution. The Council’s choice underscores a broader issue: the tax enforcement strategies in Guyana require adaptability to consider economic difficulties. If the central government is unwilling to intervene, it should at least permit municipalities to suggest relief solutions for ministerial endorsement, rather than rendering them helpless amid the suffering of citizens.
The Council faced a tough yet essential choice to safeguard its most at-risk citizens. Although legal details are important, so is the respect for human dignity. Rather than implementing punitive actions, the government ought to collaborate with the Council to establish a just tax relief policy—one that reconciles financial accountability with social equity.
The residents of Georgetown are entitled to a government that is responsive and flexible, rather than one that places strict legality above the genuine struggles of individuals. The actions taken by the M&CC represent a positive advancement—now it is time for the central government to respond appropriately.
Sincerely,
Lelon Saul
Lt Col (Ret’d)
Councillor
