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Deputy Mayor says residents can’t afford rates and taxes because of economic hardships
(Kaieteur News) – As the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) continues to grapple with financial constraints, Deputy Mayor Denise Miller attributed the situation in part to residents’ inability to pay rates and taxes due to ongoing economic hardship.
Miller was speaking in context of the council’s $5.697 billion budget for 2026, which was presented by Finance Chairman Lelon Saul last April 21, and which outlines the municipality’s planned spending for the year, including allocations for infrastructure maintenance, sanitation, drainage, administrative operations, and human resources.
Deputy Mayor Denise Miller
“With depleted funds, we are trying our best with the limited monies offered to us from central government and ratepayers who, because of economic deprivation, have not been able to pay rates and taxes,” Miller said in a video shared on the council’s official Facebook page. She explained that the M&CC relies heavily on revenue from property rates, taxes, and fees collected from various service providers operating within Georgetown. However, she noted that collections have been inconsistent, as many individuals and businesses are struggling to meet their financial obligations.
“We have not been able to get a lot of money from every service provider sector because every sector brings in money to the council, but people cannot find some of these monies. It is true; it is a reality,” she said. The Deputy Mayor pointed out that the 2026 budget includes a substantial allocation to the Human Resources Department, reflecting ongoing staffing challenges within the municipality. According to her, a shortage of personnel has affected the council’s ability to deliver core services such as waste collection, drainage maintenance, and general upkeep of city infrastructure.
The M&CC is responsible for a wide range of municipal services, including the maintenance of roads, markets, and public spaces, as well as the management of solid waste and drainage systems. Persistent issues such as clogged drains, deteriorating roadways, and irregular garbage collection have long been concerns for residents, often intensifying during periods of heavy rainfall. Miller noted that the council’s financial difficulties are not solely the result of reduced revenue but are also linked to operational limitations, arguing that greater collaboration with the central government is necessary to address these challenges and improve service delivery. “It is very sad that central government does not see it fit to work in tandem with municipal government,” she said, adding that stronger cooperation is essential for effective governance. She also raised concerns about the state of democratic processes within the city, describing recent developments as troubling.
Despite these concerns, Miller said the council remains open to working with central authorities to improve governance and service delivery in the capital. Other councillors have also weighed in on the budget’s priorities and challenges. Councillor Dexter Forte said the 2026 financial plan places strong emphasis on community-level interventions, particularly addressing longstanding issues such as blocked alleyways and inadequate drainage. These conditions, he noted, contribute to public health risks, including the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses. Forte said that while the council is operating with limited resources, the budget still allows for meaningful work in communities aimed at improving sanitation and living conditions.
Meanwhile, Councillor Clayton Hinds said the budget reflects ongoing efforts to tackle persistent municipal challenges that have affected the city for years but that successful implementation will depend heavily on the performance and commitment of municipal staff. He noted that while the council can outline policies and allocate funds, the effectiveness of those measures ultimately rests with staff.
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Choosing to pay rates and taxes and feed the family ? Family comes first.
Yesterday, I spoke with a visiting relative in Guyana who visited the
New Amsterdam Municipal Market/ Water and Pitt Street. It’s dismal.
So dismal, most stalls were closed for lack of customers, which numbered
about 20-30 the most, with just a few stalls open. Pitt street was void of
traffic– human and vehicles. Same with the entire Main and Water streets.
Money is tight. Cash grants must have been set aside under the mattress’
for even harder times to come.