What was the supporting section to substantiate this new policy?
Mar 30, 2025
Dear Editor,
Please allow me the opportunity to respond to the letter titled “Georgetown M&CC’s choice to eliminate interest on overdue general rates intended to relieve city’s economically distressed citizens” by Lelon Saul, Lt Col (Ret’d), Councillor.
It should be known from the onset that Councillor Saul serves as the chairman of the finance committee and is regarded as a policy and financial guru by his fellow APNU councillors, though not by PPP/C councillors who challenge his predominantly unsupported and ultra vires policies presented for approval. It is generally perceived that policies are merely tools or frameworks to implement broader legislative mandates or, in the Mayor and City Council’s case, by-laws. With the aforementioned being clear, the question arises: what was the supporting section to substantiate this new policy? The answer provided was Section 146 of the Municipal and District Councils Act, which states, “The Minister may make financial regulations for controlling and managing the financial business of councils.” This section is unequivocal and clearly delineates who holds the authority. For this reason, Councillor Saul and Mayor Mentore were both challenged on the legality of this new policy, while it was explicitly stated that there were no objections to assisting citizens facing financial hardships, provided it is done within the confines of the law.
But was this initiative genuinely intended for individuals experiencing financial hardships? In my humble opinion, I think not, as this policy, including a “solution” application, was approved on Monday, 24th March 2025, with 16 applications already in the system, none of whom had actually seen an application form or had any awareness of the necessary supporting documents for the waiver. Councillor Lelon Saul, who often postures as a messiah, stated confidently, “Let’s carry on with the council’s business.” Councillor Saul and his cohorts should not exploit citizens who may find it difficult to pay their general rates as political pawns, but rather seek authentic and sincere relief measures within the text of the law. There is a provision, as full exemption can be approved by the Minister of Local Government.
While 40% of property owners are in arrears, the onus is on the council to maintain continuity in its awareness program, as the fruits of the program are already evident with over 400 citizens who can be classified as delinquent payers due to not paying for the last 3 years honoring their payments in January or February, according to reports. This blatant attempt to shift blame or to so compassionately appeal to the minister is nothing but duplicity, as this suggestion was already made in our statutory council meeting and, of course, shot down by Mayor Mentore as he lamented “Executive Powers of the council.”
It is paramount that the citizens of Georgetown be led by well-oiled and right-thinking councillors who endeavor to implement measures in good faith with a common purpose to provide a result in which everyone will be satisfied, not presenting themselves as saviors with ulterior motives for personal benefits. It is time for a change at the helm of the M&CC for the better, as the current cohort proves time and time again they are not ready but rather recycled.
Sincerely,
Councillor Steven Jacobs
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