As the year 2025 draws to a close, Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore is urging property owners, businesses, and government agencies to pay their outstanding rates and taxes. In an interview, he expressed concern that despite measures implemented by the Municipal Council, 45% of the total amount due remains unpaid.
“We have 45% of the people who are delinquent, and many of those currently delinquent are erecting high rises. Even if they are paying their taxes, they are often paying on the assessed value of their previous buildings instead of the new developments, which unfairly burdens the system,” the Mayor stated.
Official documents indicate that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs owes over $440,000, the Guyana Sugar Corporation approximately $200,000, and the Guyana Energy Authority around $839,000. Mayor Mentore noted these figures represent only a small fraction of the 45% in default.
Highlighting the issue of state agencies, Mayor Mentore pointed out that many have not made payments despite having received budget approvals from the National Assembly. “Many of these funds are allocated but not disbursed, which we need to address with the government. If you budget for it but don’t disburse it, it undermines the purpose of the allocation and starves the council of much-needed resources,” he explained.
The Mayor plans to discuss these matters with Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand. While some government agencies have delayed payments, he acknowledged that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Ministry of Health have fulfilled their financial obligations for 2025.
To recover the outstanding rates and taxes, Mayor Mentore warned that the municipality will intensify its efforts in 2026, including actively pursuing delinquent ratepayers, which encompasses central government, state agencies, and businesses. The City Mayor confirmed that the Council will enforce Section 220 of Chapter 28:01 – The Municipal and District Council Act – to reclaim the owed rates.
As the new year approaches, the Mayor remains hopeful for improved compliance among property owners and government agencies alike.
