Latest update June 4th, 2026 12:30 AM
City mayor blasts Govt. overreach
…as council locked out from Water Street property
City Mayor Alfred Mentore in confrontation with officials of the Guyana Police Force on Water Street on Friday.
(Kaieteur News) – A dramatic standoff unfolded in Georgetown on Friday as councillors of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) were blocked from accessing a municipal property on Water Street by ranks of the Guyana Police Force, deepening a growing confrontation between city hall and central government.
The tense scene developed after Councilor Clayton Hinds attempted to enter the facility but was stopped by officers stationed at the entrance. A “no trespassing” sign had been erected, and police maintained a firm position that no one would be allowed inside.
Mayor Alfred Mentore later arrived and questioned the authority under which the restriction was imposed, insisting that the property belongs to the council and that no approval had been granted for such action. His attempts to get answers from the officers were unsuccessful.
A senior police official on site stated only that he was acting on “directives from above,” refusing to identify who issued the orders. He maintained that the sign would remain in place and access would continue to be denied.
The Water Street property councillors were prevented from accessing on Friday.
Visibly frustrated, Mentore condemned what he described as an alarming abuse of state power.
“I just want people to understand the nature of the government that we’re dealing with… This bullyism that is in the school is the same bullyism that is there nationally,” the mayor said.
“Here we have the national police blocking councillors from accessing its own building. I have a problem with that.”
He made it clear that the council would not accept what it views as unlawful interference, announcing that legal proceedings will be initiated immediately. According to the mayor, lawyers will be engaged to seek an injunction against the government.
“We will not buckle,” he asserted, signalling a readiness to take the fight to the courts.
Other councillors echoed similar concerns, with one describing the situation as a “hostile takeover” of municipal assets and criticizing what she said was a complete lack of consultation. She further alleged that constables previously assigned to the building were forcibly removed.
Councillor Lelon Saul warned that the implications go beyond a single property dispute, arguing that the developments strike at the core of democratic governance.
“What we’re seeing here is indicative of poor governance. This is a threat to democracy, make no mistake,” Saul said.
The confrontation comes amid heightened tensions following the government’s recent move to assume control of 22 roads previously managed by the municipality. The transfer of responsibility, carried out by the Ministry of Public Works under the Roads Act, has been strongly opposed by City Hall.
In a statement issued Friday, the mayor condemned the decision as a direct attack on the authority of the council.
“It represents a calculated act of political intimidation and overreach, designed to destabilize the Municipality and silence the voices of the people of Georgetown,” the statement read.
While government has indicated interest in the Water Street property and the administration of key roads, councillors argue that any such actions should be guided by consultation and lawful agreement—not enforcement by police presence.
With legal action now imminent and positions on both sides hardening, the dispute signals an escalating power struggle between Georgetown’s elected officials and central government—one that is rapidly shifting from confrontation on the ground to a looming battle in the courts.
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