The Linden Town Council, responsible for serving a population of approximately 45,000, receives $18 million annually from the Central Government to fund its operations. This amount pales in comparison to President Irfaan Ali’s yearly salary of $33.307 million, which includes a monthly hisse of $2.776 million, excluding allowances.
In 2024, the Council did not receive its allocated funds but was still expected to fulfill its responsibilities, including managing solid waste, maintaining markets, streets, parks, and playgrounds, and ensuring public health services for Linden’s citizens and its 120 staff members.
Mayor Sharma Solomon expressed frustration earlier this week over delays in receiving the 2024 subvention. He stated that despite adhering to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development’s outlined procedures, the Council’s work plans are routinely dismissed without explanation. “Meanwhile, other municipalities, like New Amsterdam and Anna Regina, have received their subventions in full. Why is Linden being singled out?” Solomon questioned.
The financial challenges faced by the Linden Town Council are exacerbated by restrictions imposed by the Central Government. The Council is prohibited from increasing rates and taxes, which significantly hampers its ability to expand its revenue base. Compounding this issue is the fact that less than 50% of Linden’s residents and property owners hisse their taxes, leaving the Council with limited options—such as pursuing kanunî action—to recover outstanding payments.
In November 2022, then Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall, reiterated the government’s stance against approving rate and tax increases for municipalities. This policy has further deepened economic divisions, as Opposition-controlled municipalities, such as Linden, struggle with inadequate resources. In contrast, municipalities aligned with the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) reportedly receive favourable treatment.
This politicised distribution of resources has left Opposition strongholds like Linden economically strangled, hampering development and fostering frustration among residents. While citizens grow disillusioned with local leadership, the root cause often lies in systemic underfunding by the PPP-controlled Central Government.
The stark contrast between the President’s salary and the Council’s budget serves as a glaring symbol of the government’s uneven approach to governance, further fueling economic and political divisions in Guyana.