The Town Clerk defends City Hall’s performance

Jul 18, 2016 Letters

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Dear Editor;
It is a highly contended fact that for years Guyana has had innumerable economic and social challenges which have had resounding impacts on the lives of its citizens. While Guyana is not unique in having these challenges it is arguable that many of these were the consequences of poor political decisions and governance. These negative implications also led to a systematic degradation of institutional functioning. One of the prime examples of this breakdown in institutional functioning is the Mayor and City of Georgetown. The Mayor and City Council suffered greatly under a system of malicious and nepotistic governance that deprived it of much needed resources to carry out its functions effectively. And thus, the Mayor City Council was rendered hapless though it was well aware of the needs of the citizens of Georgetown.
It is clear that, on May 11, 2015, the Mayor and City Council and by extension the City of Georgetown was given the opportunity to finally function as an effective institution with the citizens’ interests as priority. And though there was renewed enthusiasm and willingness to revive an ailing system, it was not without its costs. The reorientation of an institution and a society as a whole takes time, especially when the ills they face were engrained in their functioning for decades.
Nevertheless, this old order of operation must be completely removed and a reintroduction to what is right and lawful should become the new norm. Unfortunately, not all would agree to be rebuked for habits that are not in alignment with what is seen as just and lawful. Too many have become subconsciously cultured to what is distasteful, wrong and in most cases unlawful that it is difficult for them to abide by what ought to be. Perhaps it may be safe to say that old habits die hard, but they must be out rightly denounced and eliminated.
The Council has recently come under fire from many in the public for exercising its constitutional and statutory obligations. It is quite ironic that some of these same critics were condemning the Council under the previous dispensation for not upholding its constitutional functions and obligations.  It brings to mind the old adage of “doomed if you do and doomed if you don’t”. Trying to restore some semblance of order and discipline to a city that had reclined in dysfunction is not an easy task. And these critics may or may not know the enormity of such a responsibility. I dare say that they should try stepping in the shoes of the ones tasked with this job and make their judgements after.
Perhaps, some more than others, are too quick to forget the past. There was a time prior to May 11, 2015, when one could only wish that after a moderate shower of rain lasting less than 15minutes there would be no widespread floods across the city. Or one could only wish that there were no huge piles of garbage build ups outside the Stabroek and Bourda Markets with spillages into the streets on a daily basis. Who can recall the days when sewage and garbage would clog almost every drain in the city and overflow in the streets? Further, can anyone remember being able to see past the first row of tombs in the Le Repentir Cemetery? These are no longer usual occurrences within the city and as such it shows that the Council has worked to improving the lives of residents. Albeit, there is still much more to be done, the Council has been trying and it should be commended for a descent effort thus far.
However, the Council has accomplished much over the one year period under the new administration. These accomplishments have had even more significance and credibility with the installation of the new councillors after the APNU/AFC administration delivered faithfully on its campaign promise of local government elections held this March.
Clearly, much effort and resources have been expended in restoring cleanliness and decency to the city within the last fourteen months. Particularly, millions of dollars have been spent on desilting canal and drains, clearing alley ways and cemeteries around Georgetown. Many can attest to benefitting from the recently introduced green spaces set up by Council. Of noteworthy mention is the Merriman’s Mall green recreational park. The Council has since worked to repair a number of culverts around Georgetown, specifically East Ruimveldt which is prone to flooding. There has been a great improvement in the management of solid waste. Hardly are our main thoroughfares used as dumpsites. One can easily notice the change in how our avenues are being maintained. A quick walk down Main Street between Church and Lamaha Streets will prove this. The same is true if you take a walk along Camp Street between Church and Lamaha Streets. The results are evident for all to take note and benefit. There is also the recent move by Council to regulate street vending with the introduction of the “Parliament View Mall”, which will soon be upgraded with new tents, water and security staff. Persons can now walk freely without encumbrances on the streets and paves. One can walk along certain streets in Georgetown without fear that a criminal element may attack and flee into the mountain of obstructions along the pavement.
Also, the Council has addressed the needs of its staff by initiating negotiations with many prominent international organisations and countries to assist in capacity building for its staff. In fact, Mayor City Council is currently in the process of penning an agreement with one of Guyana’s largest international donor agencies to fund the development of its Corporate Governance and Financial Management Strategy. This agreement will see the implementation of a governance framework that guides the Council’s operation and financial accountability. It also comes with the added benefit of having staff go overseas for training in these two areas.
Royston King
Town Clerk

Editor’s note; the second part of this letter will be carried in tomorrow’s edition

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