M&CC agrees on interim container fee after meeting with PSC and GCCI

Aug 07, 2016 News

The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown met with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Friday, to address the issue of the controversial “Container Fee”.
According to Town Clerk, Royston King, the meeting was a success. This was the second such meeting in an effort to address the issue of container fee and other allied issues.
Discussions and deliberations on the main issue concluded with those in attendance proposing that the Council reduce the current $25,000 Container Fee to $5000 as an interim measure.
According to a release from the M&CC the fees will be collected at the various Ports and Wharves, effective August, 1, 2016.
The Town Clerk also said discussions were held on the possible implementation of a per-tonnage cargo fee for all “cargo within vehicles” of specific type of weights traversing the streets of the City.
According to sources, the Private Sector representatives indicated their interest in forming a Tripartite Committee between the Government of Guyana, the M&CC and the PSC to engage in continued discussions on other initiatives and to institutionalize a solid partnership to develop and modernize Georgetown.
This was agreed by all parties involved. In the release it was noted that the Committee will be in place by August 15, 2016.
The M&CC advised that the collection of container fees and tonnage fees are instituted by invoking section 274 (h) in conjunction with section 272 of the Municipal and District Council’s Act, Chapter 28:01.
City Hall further said that the collection of revenue for container fees is an “absolute necessity” in order to execute road construction and repairs; drainage works; and other allied capital works such as the construction of bridges, etc.
The M&CC noted that the aforementioned are essential Municipal services that create an enabling environment for businesses and guarantee the safety of citizens and the public health of local communities.

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