-warns of serious consequences
-by Kimberly Giddings
Attorney General Anil Nandlall is firmly opposing Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentor’s proposal to reintroduce parking meters in the city.
He warned the government will not allow the return of any parking meter contracts, cautioning that anyone who attempts to enter such agreements will face serious consequences. His response follows Mayor Mentor’s recent interview, outlining plans to revisit the controversial project as a solution to city congestion and as a possible revenue stream.
The proposal comes after the government reclaimed control of 35 city streets from the mayor and city council, citing poor maintenance. Nandlall criticised the mayor for failing to take responsibility for city management and questioned the practicality of parking meters.
“That was a conscious decision. We were against it, but we felt that the people of Georgetown was doing a far better job, and were we to go out there, we would have brought in politics,” he said.
The AG stated that the government will step back and let citizens respond, but warned that any attempt to impose a parking meter contract will be blocked.
“If you believe that you can enter into a contract that will impose liability on the treasury of this country, the laws of Guyana have the capability to ensure that you are held liable to compensate the state for the losses that the state may occasion,” he warned.
The parking meter project, which was first introduced in 2017 under the APNU+AFC administration, was halted after public protests and legal challenges. The matter is currently before the International Chamber of Commerce with a final ruling now pending.