Gov’t to review Parking Meters contract

By Ariana Gordon
GOVERNMENT through the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Ministry of Finance will be reviewing the contract for the controversial parking meters project, which is being implemented by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).Cabinet Secretary Joseph Harmon at a post cabinet press briefing Wednesday told reporters that Cabinet at its last meeting held on Tuesday decided to have the contract reviewed so as to ensure there are no illegalities based on the complaints made.

The contract for the implementation of the parking meters project was signed with National Parking Systems (NPS)/Smart City Solutions. But notwithstanding the ongoing row over the implementation of the parking meters, Minister Harmon assured that government’s decision to review the contract is by no means an attempt to interfere in the affairs of the City Council.

“If they claim there is something wrong or there is something illegal then government has a responsibility to look at the contract itself to see whether there is anything in the contract that closely resembles the complaints by citizens.”

He said government supports the efforts of the City Council to garner revenue while reducing congestion on city streets but its intervention is necessary because Georgetown is the Capital City. According to Harmon, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan briefed Cabinet about the project, noting that whatever the outcome, it is the citizens who will be affected.

Maintaining that City Hall is an independent body, Minister Harmon said, “It is a young Council and we believe it must operate independently.”

When asked whether government would lend its voice to a conversation on the rates to be implemented by the Town Council when the parking meter project comes on stream, Minister Harmon said, “The issue of rates, whether too high or low…are issues for the Council itself.”

City Mayor Chase-Green had said that the Council is currently reviewing the rate to be charged to citizens and initially, $500 per hour to park was touted. Parking meters are to be installed on every street between South Road and Church Street, Water Street and Camp Street.

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan has publicly declared that the parking meter project is a shady one. He said the mere fact that the City Mayor has refused to reveal the details of the contract to city councillors and make the contract public, suggests that something sinister is taking place.

“So much has been shady with regards to the contract and how it will be rolled out,” said Duncan who insists that something is amidst with the project.

“What is so special about this contract that it cannot be shared with the public? Who would steal it? Another country? Another municipality? It doesn’t make sense,” Duncan opined.

Chairman of City Hall’s Finance Committee, Oscar Clarke said the City Council does not need to seek permission from anyone to have the project implemented but “Out of courtesy, we think we have to speak to the minister. The minister doesn’t make a decision for the Council; the Cabinet does…”