Council should review business proposals– President Granger

Jun 28, 2016 News

By Murtland Haley

President David Granger during his address. Flanking him from right is Mayor of Georgetown Patricia Chase-Greene and at left is Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan.

President David Granger, yesterday, made his first official address to the Full Council of the Georgetown Mayor and Council. His presentation preceded the sitting of the scheduled statutory meeting.
The Head of State asked the council to have a clearer vision. He called for the council to establish a “National Capital Planning Commission.”
“The task of that commission, I suggest, could be to review the numerous plans which have been prepared over the years and to develop on your own and in your wisdom, a structured approach.”
Granger said that there are several plans, proposals and studies that have been gathering dust. “I suggest, Madam Mayor, that your councillors might want, at some time or the other, to hold a workshop to familiarize themselves with those studies.”
He credits those studies for containing a large volume of information on Georgetown and comprises exciting prospects for the City’s development. These plans in the Head of State’s estimation will facilitate the creation of future plans.
Granger assured the council that any future urban plan would not exist in a vacuum. “The plan must not be only based on knowledge of what is required of the City but it must also aim at collaboration with the central government, Central Housing and Planning Authority and certainly the Ministry of Communities.”
The President said that attention must be placed on zoning so as to bring an end to the chaotic developments which characterized earlier times.
“We must see where noisy night clubs are located, so that they don’t disturb the tranquillity of places such as hospitals and schools, not to mention, the residence of high state officials.”
Granger recommended that business places should not intrude in areas designated as residential zones. “Locations should be identified for construction and development of aesthetically picturesque roadways and malls.”
The President charged the Mayor to provide proper accommodation for all vendors. “I would like to see during the tenure of this coalition government, every vendor under a roof.”
He acknowledged that vending is a legitimate business and that a suitable place should be found to protect the vendors from the elements and allow them to still have access to their customers.
“Let us see what could be done to expand and extend markets and give those poor vendors roofs over their heads.”
Granger said that emphasis should be placed on sanitation. “Sanitation and drainage are necessary to avert the danger of vector borne diseases.” He acknowledged that every person who uses or resides in the city must share in this responsibility.
Investors must see the city as a favoured place to do business. He acknowledged the self-governing nature of the council. “Your government respects the autonomy of the city council of Georgetown, and we encourage you to ensure that, that autonomy is exercised in accordance with the law and national interest.”
The Head of State pledged the government’s support to council. “We are committed to ensuring that the council will not be constrained in any way from securing the best interest of the citizens of our national capital.”