Mayor Mentore moves to court, threatens to name tax defaulters amid Govt. clash

Apr 25, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore on Friday signaled plans by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to crackdown on delinquent taxpayers, warning that government agencies, businesses, and private citizens owing significant sums to the council could soon face court action.

Speaking at the APNU’s weekly press briefing, Mentore made it clear that city hall has already exhausted initial steps and is now moving towards enforcement.

Mayor Mentore moves to court, threatens to name tax defaulters amid Govt. clash

Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore

“We are now at the stage of moving to court on a number of these matters, not from a private execution standpoint, but where you talk about selling as you just indicated, but in a way in which we have under section 219 of the Act and 220, where we’ll have the restraint warrant or petty debt. So, we’ll be moving to court to treat with those matters.

But I am in agreement with you that outside of the notices, we will also publish those names of government entities that owe us significant taxes and we will also publish those names of businesses and maybe residents who also have significant outstanding to us,” Mentore stated.

But beyond the courts, Mentore warned that the names of major defaulters will be made public.

“I am in agreement… that outside of the notices, we will also publish those names of government entities that owe us significant taxes… as well as businesses and maybe residents,” he said.

According to the Mayor, demand notices have already been properly served, and engagements have taken place with several high-debt account holders. With that phase completed, City Hall is now preparing to escalate.

The latest enforcement push comes against the backdrop of an ongoing dispute between city hall and central government over financial authority and tax relief measures.

In 2025, Mentore defended a controversial move to waive interest on outstanding property rates, arguing it was aimed at easing the burden on struggling residents. He maintains that position, saying he is prepared to defend it in court if necessary.

“I am talking to my lawyers… and if the matter goes to court I am prepared to defend the decision,” he previously stated.

However, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag had rebuked the initiative, warning the council to halt what she described as an “unlawful and unauthorised” regulation.

In formal correspondence, Parag argued that the Municipal and District Councils Act clearly vests authority for financial regulations in the minister alone.

“Section 146(1) of the Act is unambiguous. That power lies with the minister, not with you,” she stated, adding that any attempt by the council to assume such authority would be “ultra vires and legally void.”

In response, Mentore rejected the minister’s interpretation, insisting that the council did not create new financial regulations but instead acted within its administrative remit to provide relief.

“The decision was made as part of our ongoing efforts to address the financial hardship being experienced by many property owners,” he said, noting that the move followed consultations and adhered to established procedures.

With court action imminent, public naming of defaulters on the table, and unresolved legal tensions with central government, Georgetown’s governance battle appears set to intensify.

What began as a tax enforcement effort is rapidly evolving into a broader confrontation over authority, legality, and political control of the capital.

If you want, I can ⁠spin off a few alternative headlines (more aggressive, more neutral, or more tabloid-style) depending on your outlet’s tone.

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Alfred Mentore, Mayor of the city of Georgetown, tax defaulters, taxpayers

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