…based on recommendation by Commission of Enquiry
THE Port Kaituma, Arakaka, Matthews Ridge Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) has been dissolved and an Interim Management Committee (IMC), comprising 13 members, took the oath of Office before Region 1 Chairman Paul Pierre on Sunday , at the Port Kaituma Neighbourhood Democratic Council Office.
The IMC emanated from a recommendation by a commission of enquiry requested by the residents of the Port Kaituma, Matthews Ridge and Arakaka NDCs. The enquiry was conducted and completed on March 15, and was submitted to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, with the recommendation for an IMC to be installed in that sub-district.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Ganga Persaud and Permanent Secretary Collin Croal along with other regional Officials, who visited that sub-district on March 23 to 26, were present at the swearing-in.
One of the reasons outlined in the request for the commission of enquiry was the irregularity with which meetings were held and the lack of accountability at the NDC level.
Minister Persaud expressed gratitude on behalf of the government, the ministry and the NDC to the remaining members of the Matarkai NDC.
He explained that in 1997, Local Government elections were postponed, since the general and regional elections took precedence. However, after 1997, the leading parties in Guyana signed on to the CARICOM Act which stipulated that when next local government elections are held, they should be under a different electoral system and not according to the previous pattern of every three years.
He noted that with the dissolution of the NDC, there are now vacancies at the level of Chair, Vice-Chair and Councillors, but not for overseer or other staff, since those are not affected. And so all assets and liabilities of the NDC are now owned by the Ministry, the Minister said.
The Local Government Minister, in keeping with local government regulations, and the recommendation of the commission of enquiry, has identified the following members that constitute the IMC who are as follows: Wesley Alberts, Norman Robinson, Jennifer Calistro, Celestine Joseph, John James – Vice Chairman, Shondel St.Just, Kishore Etwaroo – Chairman, Esperio Hardoner, Emmanuel Henry, Ignatius Charles, Wayne Holder, Wilma Dass, and Simone Benjamin.
Minister Persaud said that another discussion will be held for an explanation of the roles of the IMC membership and formal training will be conducted shortly.
He advised of the need to plan ahead for unforeseen circumstances and to be punctual and regular in service to the people.
He encouraged the members to listen to people’s problems and difficulties, and to share solutions as to how they can overcome the challenges.
The Minister also disclosed that a $3M subvention is available, but there must be  a programme to show how the money will be spent before it is released.
Other issues such as garbage collection and revenue collection and deposits were discussed.