THE mechanism of local government as the name implies, is about governance at the grass root levels, which provides citizens the opportunity of meaningful participation in socio-economic matters that impact their daily affairs.
It is a system that functions best without political interference, because it allows for genuine inclusivity in the process of decision-making, where all voices should be heard. In its correct form, it is about the exercise of democracy in a manner that could only redound to the benefit of all citizens.

It explains all the reasons why its absence of two decades or more, affected the quality of life in communities, depriving citizens of critical services that were necessary for their material and spiritual comfort. Neglect and indifference reflected communal life in many places.

That its focus as a seminal promise of the APNU+AFC 2015 electoral campaign and manifesto promises was not surprising, because it was recognised as critically important to the socio-economic development prospects of Guyana.
The rest is now history, the coalition won, and without much delay, local government elections have been held, with elected mayors at the helm in their respective municipalities and chairpersons in Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

Firstly, a new dispensation now underlines a different kind of local government system, because of the establishment of a Local Government Commission that has the constitutional mandate to manage such a system in conjunction with the municipalities and NDCs.

Secondly, for the first time in the history of local government, communities and their citizens are being allowed to practise local democracy in their best interests. But this will necessitate an entirely different maturity and approach to genuine self-government, and an understanding of its requisite responsibilities.

Thirdly, such governance can have no place for personal rivalries, petty community quarrels, and attempts at personal dominance, on the part of any citizen, or group of citizens, because of affluence or social standing. For any display of the aforementioned instances can only stymie the general welfare and development of the community and citizens whose interests such elected members have been sworn to serve.

Fourthly, although it is recognised that overwhelming, political party influence has been the traditional brand of the local government system, especially during the past two decades and one half, it must be accepted that this has not been in the best interest of providing solutions to the many social issues at the community level. But, we are a democratic society, therefore every Guyanese is entitled to his/her political affiliation; however, this must not be allowed to become a part of the consideration of the governance of communities, in terms of the dispensing of community improvements being undertaken on the basis of the narrow aspect of political party support/ethnic considerations. All communities, and all citizens, must benefit.

Fifthly, since every municipality will now have the opportunity to raise its own funds for their respective communities development, we implore that careful attention be paid to this most vital aspect, in terms of accountability, whilst ensuring that citizens do pay their fair share of taxes. The non-payment of the latter has been and still is, a constraint for many communities being unable to derive the most basic of services.

We have no doubt, that within our local government system that there are committed elected officers, men and women, patriotic enough in wanting to effect the changes for improved and better communities that the historic March 2016 local government elections has facilitated. However the municipalities and NDCs working together with citizens hold the key for resounding success.