A COI into City Hall should encompass operations for the last two and a half decades

Aug 15, 2018 Letters

Dear Editor,

I would like to throw my firm support behind all those persons who have been calling for a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the workings and outrageous goings-on at the Georgetown City Council.
However, I would like to ask that the scope of the Inquiry be extended to include not just the shenanigans of the Mayor’s Office and the Town Clerk’s Department over the last two and a half years but it should encompass the entire municipality for the last two and a half decades.
From the myriad of expensive and useless overseas jaunts, to Councillors receiving $57 million purportedly to spend on community projects in the 15 constituencies, and at the same time utilizing the facilities of the Council’s equipment and services of the staff, to the monies the very Councillors are paid to sit on special committees, payments, which are outside of their regular allowances and stipends they receive.
There still needs to be an investigation into the scandalous parking meter contract to see if any inducements were offered before its aborted implementation and if any sweeteners will be continuously offered should this outrageous initiative be operationalized.
A serious relook needs to be considered for all of the contracts that have been awarded by the Council to individuals and companies for cleaning the cemetery, the drains and parapets etc, particularly those that did not conform to Tender Board procedures.
A review must also be undertaken of the Human Resource Department of the Council to examine how employees were recruited, and placed on varying points of the salary scales, and of how the leave of certain officers were deferred whilst others had theirs cancelled if not taken when it was due, and of how some retired officers received their pensions and gratuity expeditiously whilst others didn’t, and of strange policies for promotion, etc.
The Markets Department has to be examined to see what yardstick is used for the allocation of stalls, and how the rents are calculated in the various markets, on how secure the revenue collection system is in light of recent frauds, and the physical security and public hygiene of these facilities.
At the City Engineer’s Department, explanations ought to be given as to how building inspectors who are responsible for ensuring building codes are enforced and maintained, are also allowed to be drawing plans privately for buildings being constructed in Georgetown. And as to how so many violations are allowed in the city, a case in point that was highlighted in a recent fire at a major hotel in the city.
The Treasurer’s Department should be the subject of special scrutiny, with regard to the waiver of interest for delinquent property owners, and with its procurement systems, etc.
It may take years to unravel the mysteries of City Hall, but finally and most importantly, there should be an inquiry into the ‘assets’ including properties, money and other interests held by the senior officers of the Council, particularly those suddenly acquired over the last three years in Guyana or elsewhere.
Sincerely,
Mark Roopan

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