To look at Local Government Elections Bills
People Progressive Partly Civic (PPP/C) Parliamentarian Mrs. Gail Texeira yesterday said her colleagues are prepared to meet with the Opposition during the parliamentary recess to complete work on the Local Government Elections Bills before the House. Speaking to the media at the Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown, Texeira however pointed out that when government members say they will meet during recess, the opposition is not too happy.

She said her colleagues work for the people; and if the opposition agrees, they will work during the recess to have the bills before the House ready for when Parliament resumes.

The Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2009, a critical bill for the holding of the Local Government Elections was yesterday passed in the National Assembly.

The Local Government Commission Bill, the Fiscal Transfer Bill, the Amendment to the Municipal and District Councils Bill and Amendment to the Local Government Bills are the other bills before the House, all referred to a Special Select Committee.

Texeira explained the Local Government Commission and Fiscal Transfer Bills deal with political assurance, and for this reason these are before one Special Select Committee.

This, she said, was done to ensure the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the other members of the Opposition have the assurance that the government is not trying to be mischievous by bringing the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill to the House and not the others.

On that note, the PPP/C Parliamentarian disclosed that work on the Local Government Commission Bill has been completed and a report on that piece of legislation should be concluded by next week.

The Amendment to Municipal and District Councils and Amendment to Local Government Bills, are ancillary pieces of legislation to ensure there is synergy between the bills, Texeira explained.

The parliamentary recess begins on August 10 and concludes on October 10.