Georgetown Mayor Pt Ubraj Narine, in a statement released Thursday, said the City Council is not afraid of being probed by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).
Reacting to reports that such a probe is likely Narine made known while he has not been formally communicated to, and noted a social media headline which indicates SOCU, of the Guyana Police Force, will commence a probe on alleged conspiracy between staff and contractors to defraud City Hall of millions, he welcomes the probe.
“I welcome this probe and invite SOCU to conduct its investigations throughout the administrative departments of City Hall. It would be recalled that the Council has expressed dissatisfaction with the administration of the Council and has made recommendations which have not been considered by the Local Government Commission to date. These challenges have varied from failure to execute projects, misleading the Council and incompetence of officers.”
He also made known that as mayor he complained about administrative staff taking political directives outside of the Council rather than effecting the decisions of the Council.
The inference of central government into the day-to-day management of the local authorities, Narine said, has led to a significant breakdown in the management of the resources of the Council. “Most recently, the Council has inquired of solid waste assets received from the Local Government Ministry and is yet to receive a report. “
Narine made known that he expects the probe to be “conducted professionally and provides further guidance to the Local Government Commission.”
