The Georgetown Mayor and City Council is challenging the Central Government alleged flouting of the City’s By-Laws.
Mayor Pandit Ubraj Narine recently wrote Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Mr. Charles Ramson Jr., about erecting billboards around the city without the involvement and approval of the City Council, which, according to the mayor, is a violation of the by-laws.
In a letter, seen below, Ubraj informed Ramson the avenues in the city are controlled by the City Council and engagement must take place between the municipal authority and central government on such matters. Further, the minister is informed even as the Council seeks “good working relationship with the ministry,” his attention is directed to the Posting Bill (Billboards) By-Laws which is stipulated in Chapter 28:01 in the Laws of Guyana.
Expressing consternation at the alleged continued disregard for the by-laws the mayor in a release stated “the Council notes the continued violation of Chapter 28:01 specifically the posting of bills (billboards) which are erected around the city as well as hosting events within its boundaries which includes roads and avenues.”
As per this Council’s statement, issued today, “Despite efforts to rectify [the situation] in the interest of working together, the Hon Minister has unfortunately failed to engage which therefore leaves the Council with no other recourse but to engage the court.”
Refer to Mayor Ubraj’s statement and letter to Minister Ramson
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For immediate Release
8 December, 2022
Govt continues to trespass on the City’s property
It is unfortunate that the Government preaches about involving all stakeholders but conveniently forgets the Municipal Authority as a curricula stakeholder.
Under much pomp and ceremony, the One Guyana concert was held within the precinct of the City without the courtesy of involving the Council. I have written the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport on the hosting of events in the city and the lack of engagement with the elected Municipal Authority on these matters.
As is usual the event which speaks to unifying our country divides it with same breath since not even an invitation was extended to the Office of the Mayor of the City of Georgetown.
I will remind the Hon Minister of Culture who represents the President in these matters that inclusion requires participation of ALL. Having received a letter from the Council on the illegality which persists in the execution of activities in the City without the Municipal Authority it is apparent that the Minister has directed the staff not to receive correspondences from the elected Council of the City of Georgetown.
The Council notes the continued violation of Chapter 28:01 specifically the posting of bills (billboards) which are erected around the city as well as hosting events within its boundaries which includes roads and avenues.
Despite efforts to rectify in the interest of working together the Hon Minister has unfortunately failed to engage which therefore leaves the Council with no other recourse but to engage the courts.
