GCCI wants list of businesses that owe taxes to M&CC

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) wants a list of all businesses which have defaulted on payment of their taxes from the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

Its demand came in response to comments made by City Mayor, Ubraj Narine and published by the Guyana Times that 144 “high end businesses” in the City have failed to pay their taxes and owes City Hall billions.

The GCCI expressed displeasure that the Mayor used a “public and broad brush attack on the integrity of the entire business sector.”

As such, it wants to be “duly apprised by the Mayor of the list of defaulters.”

The business representative said its members are required to sign on to a Code of Conduct which states that they must respect and adhere to the laws and regulations of the country, including the payment of taxes.

The Chamber is also requesting a copy of the Mayor & City Councils’ (M&CC’s) plan for the City of Georgetown, as well as their financial position.

“The GCCI would like to take this opportunity to remind that businesses are the lifeblood of the city as they create employment and economic activity that benefits all citizens,” the statement added.

The statement came shortly after a meeting was held between the Mayor and the GCCI to foster greater collaboration.

At that meeting, the GCCI said it “extended an olive branch” to discuss issues, not limited to but including those, which may be hindering the City Council’s collection of taxes.

“The GCCI would like to place on record that it continues to be open to discourse and collaborative work with the Mayor in the interest of the business community and maintenance of well-kept environs,” the statement affirmed.

The body said it will continue to encourage all businesses in Georgetown, both members and non-members, to be responsible in their civic duty of paying taxes.