Dear Editor,
Monday, February, 17, 2024 during a parliamentary session, Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill, stated that the Government has repaired several roads and gazetted them as public roads. While the development of infrastructure is commendable, this does not give the Ministry of Public Works the legal authority to approve or collect fees for billboards along these roads.
The 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐁𝐲-𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐬, which remain active and legally binding, clearly grant jurisdiction over billboard approvals to the Mayor and City Council. The Ministry of Public Works’ actions, therefore, represent a direct violation of these by-laws, undermining the authority of the city and disregarding existing legal frameworks.
I remind the public and all stakeholders that the gazetting of a road as a public road does not supersede the city’s by-laws. The Posting Bills By-Laws have not been repealed and remain in full force. The Ministry’s decision to issue approvals and collect fees for billboards is, therefore, an illegal and unjust encroachment on municipal authority.
I strongly urge the Mayor and City Council to take immediate legal action against the Ministry of Public Works to uphold the rule of law and protect the city’s rights. This matter should be brought before the court to ensure that the Posting Bills By-Laws are respected and enforced.
The principles of good governance demand adherence to established laws. No Ministry or Government entity should unilaterally assume powers that the law has not granted.
See attached 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐁𝐲-𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐬 from the Municipal and District Councils Act Chapter 28:01
Yours truly,
Pt.Ubraj Narine, JP,COA
Former Staff Sgt. (GDF), Mayor
City of Georgetown
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