Local Government Minister Kellawan Lall yesterday presented the Local Government Commission and Local Government (Amendment) Bills before the National Assemble and requested both be sent to a Special Select Committee.

The first Bill seeks to establish the Local Government Commission as provided for by article 78 A of the constitution. The commission will supersede the Local Government Service Commission as provided for by the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28: 01.

According to the Bill, the commission will comprise six members, of which three will be appointed by President Bharrat Jagdeo on his own deliberate judgment.

It stated too that the President will appoint two other members, following consultation with opposition leader Mr. Robert Corbin while the remainder will be appointed by Minister Lall after he confers with the local democratic organs.

“Persons eligible for appointments as members must be of unquestionable integrity, have extensive knowledge in local government matters, administration finance, Amerindian affairs, industry or law. A local government officer or a person who holds any position in the government service is not qualified for membership,” the legislation explained.

It noted that a member can hold office for a term, a period of three years, but is eligible for re-appointment when his tenure ends.

However, if there is a vacancy in membership for a cause except retirement, a person may be appointed to act in the office of the member, for the remainder of the term of the holder he succeeds.

Membership of the commission can be terminated, including, if the member becomes of unsound mind, is convicted in a court of law for a criminal offence or is guilty of conduct inconsistent with the commission’s membership.

A member too can resign by way of letter addressed to the President.

The Bill empowers the commission to monitor and review the performance and implementation of policies of all local government organs, including taxation and protection of the environment.

It aims to allow the commission to monitor and review all existing and proposed legislation, polices and measures related to local government organs and report the need for any amendment to any legislation to Lall.

The Bill also seeks to give the commission the power to oversee employment, dismissal, remuneration, and other related matters of staff.

“The commission shall hear appeals instituted by employees who have been dismissed by any local government organ and hear and determine all matters concerning disputes arising within a local government organ or between any two local government organs,” the legislation stated.

The main thrust of the Local Government (Amendment) Bill is to include the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) in the local government system for all purposes.

The legislation entails some consequential amendments and increases penalties in several areas. It also gives Legal Affairs Minister Charles Ramson the power to prescribe by order fees payable for any process.

Lall told the National Assemble that two more pieces of Local Government legislations will be tabled in the National Assembly when the House meets again next Thursday.