THERE is no question or doubt that a maximally decentralised system of governance is the best approach. After all, such a system allows a wide cross-section of citizens to participate in the political system that affects their day-to-day lives.

In contrast to the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) power-hoarding regime, President David Granger has committed his administration to decentralised governance. In fact, the PPP’s approach was in direct contravention of the constitution; while President David Granger’s policy demonstrates respect and reverence for the supreme law of the land, which mandates an inclusionary, democratic, decentralised system of government. One may therefore conclude that for years, decades, in fact, the PPP had disregarded the law, stifled the will of the people, disrespected democratic norms, and made a mockery of governance. Fortunately, that state of affairs was brought to an end with the election of Brigadier David Granger to the presidency.

Article 13 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana mandates that, “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.” In other words, the main purpose of government is to include Guyanese in the processes of government.

Article 71 (1) instructs further that, “Local Government is a vital aspect of democracy and shall be organised so as to involve as many people as possible in the task of managing and developing the communities in which they live.” Article 74 (1) sets out the main duty of local government. It states, “It shall be the primary duty of local democratic organs to ensure in accordance with law the efficient management and development of their areas and to provide leadership by example.”

Evidently, the Granger administration has honoured the constitutional mandates of inclusionary democracy and citizen participation; as required by the law, two local government elections were held within the four years that President David Granger has held office. This, after the PPP regime had brazenly flouted the constitution and denied the Guyanese people the right to elect their local representatives for over 20 years. Clearly, President Granger has made good on his promise to place power into the hands of the people where it belongs. That is one aspect of the coalition’s policy of decentralisation of power.

Another aspect of His Excellency’s programme of decentralised governance is the policy of establishing capital towns in each region. President Granger has said that such towns are intended to be engines of growth and development, while ensuring that citizens throughout Guyana have ready access to public services. So far, four new towns have been established by the David Granger government. And, even though fewer than four years have passed since the setting up of the first town, there is already undeniable evidence of the benefits of the president’s transformative initiative.

For example, Bartica has constructed Guyana’s most picturesque riverside boulevard; it has installed more than 700 street lights as it is in transition to becoming a ‘green’ town; it is developing a green park and rehabilitating the town’s market as part of its drive to become a ‘green’ town. Mabaruma has transformed the Kumaka waterfront; building concrete-based roads and installing street lights as part of its drive to create a better town. Lethem is fast becoming the business hub of the Rupununi. Lethem is upgrading its infrastructure, including drains, roads, bridges and schools. Mahdia, Guyana’s newest town, has effected improvements to its internal roads and bridges and is expanding public services as it rebounds from the effects of flash floods.

Of course, the process of decentralisation is an ongoing one; President Granger has said that regional administrations should be weaned from financial dependence on central government. In this way, regions will feel free and empowered to pursue their own developmental agendas. Additionally, the establishment of capital towns will continue, and, with such ongoing programmes, Guyanese can move forward together.