REGIONAL Democratic Councillors (RDCs) could possibly be in for a stipend increase as the Administration sets the stage for reforming Guyana’s local government system.Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan thinks that adequate and meaningful compensation for local government councillors must be considered in the Administration’s drive to develop strong regions.
Addressing the regional elected representatives at a leadership forum at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre on July 31, the Minister pledged that the increases would be something that Central Government would address meaningfully. He stated that this is a step in the right direction, if at the end of the day the RDCs are expected to step up to the entrusted task of leading, managing and developing their regions.
At present the RDC councillors are in receipt of a monthly stipend which amounts to $10,000.
The leadership forum, facilitated by the Ministry of Communities, was to inform the RDC chairmen and councillors about the new vision of the Administration as it relates to the relationship between Central Government and the Regional Administration.
Going forward, the regional representatives were informed that they are expected to see themselves differently and were tasked to begin taking more ownership of their regions. The regional representatives heard that Central Government is concerned with a move towards the empowerment of the regions, to autonomously deliver on local government services. They also heard that in this task, they will receive unequivocal support from Central Government.