The Georgetown Mayor and City Council are preparing to reissue demand notices for the City’s top 50 rate and tax defaulters as part of an effort to recover millions in outstanding revenues.
Mayor Alfred Mentore made the announcement during Monday’s statutory meeting, highlighting the need for greater compliance by property owners and businesses to support the Council’s mandate.
“We need those funds to address basic issues affecting our residents,” Mentore said, noting that several individuals and businesses have long neglected their financial obligations to the Council.
The demand notices were first issued earlier this year. However, the reissuance of these notices has been supported by Town Clerk (ag) Candace Nelson, who said that the council’s legal team will present the cases before the magistrate’s court.
The outcomes, she explained, will guide how the council addresses these and similar debts going forward.
Mentore also used the opportunity to call for greater national support for the capital city, arguing that the council continues to face significant funding challenges without substantial assistance from central government.
“We are constantly seeking ways to sustain the city, but without adequate support, it becomes difficult,” he stated.
His comments included criticism of Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, whom he accused of offering vague financial promises in the lead-up to national elections. The mayor questioned the timing of such pledges, suggesting they may be more political than practical.
However, not all councillors shared his sentiments. People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Denroy Singh expressed concern over the tone of the mayor’s remarks, suggesting that political rhetoric should not overshadow efforts to find collaborative solutions.
Despite the exchange, the Council agreed to move forward with the reissuance of notices and legal action where necessary.
Mentore maintained that accountability from all stakeholders, including those with outstanding taxes, is essential to the city’s long-term development.
The Vice President has been critical of the Council and even accused the body of severe mismanagement and neglect of basic services, despite receiving a substantial monthly income.
He had noted at one of his press conferences that the Central Government has had to take over numerous responsibilities traditionally managed by the City Council.
