By Kurt Campbell
[www.inewsguyana.com] – Tourism Minister (ag) Irfaan Ali is of the opinion that the Mayor and City Council, which is responsible for the management of the Capital, Georgetown has failed the local tourism sector.
Ali was at the time updating the media on strides and plans for the tourism sector at a press conference on Friday, March 21.
The Minister said his Ministry had partnered with the City Council on several occasions, investing millions of dollars but have not seen any returns.
“I know the Town Clerk has been trying to restructure the expenditure to cater for and invest more in services.”
This is not the first time and the tourism sector is certainly not the only sector that has criticized the Council for its management of the city, particularly solid waste management.
Ali said he was pleased with the initiative by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment in this regard.
“I would like to congratulate the Ministry with the work they have been doing, I think they have the right plan and approach in relation to cleaning up the city.”
The Environmental Protection Agency Act allows for persons to be fined for littering $50,000. It has also put in place litter wardens to enforce new litter regulations.
Minister Ali made it clear that the garbage situation in the capital is of serious concern.
On a spate note, Ali said the tourism sector started on a positive path for the year, citing the two international brands Guyana has received as being one of the best destinations to visit and discover in 2014 from the BBC and National Geographic.
Another important development within the sector is a modern 18 hole golf course on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway along with the development of a policy for the preservation of heritage sites and buildings.
