THE Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development now has a legal officer and a new audit department, and internal auditors are to be recruited soon.

The addition of the legal officer and the audit department will support the ministry in strengthening its capacity to address the findings and recommendations of the Office of the Auditor General.
Permanent Secretary, Collin Croal reported that since Cabinet gave its approval for the ministry to hire a legal officer, the ministry recruited an individual to fill that position.
The officer (no name provided) assumed duties on Monday, Croal stated at a press conference the same day at the ministry’s boardroom at Kingston, Georgetown.
He announced also that the ministry has received approval from the Public Service Ministry for the recruitment of four auditors for a new audit department being set up within the ministry.
He added that the ministry is pleased by these two new additions to the Ministry of Local Government family.  He said that this will aid in the execution and monitoring tasks, not only at the ministry level but the regional level as well.
The permanent secretary said further that the legal officer will provide representation to the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipalities on a number of issues, relating to the effective management of local government organs. The ministry is currently compiling a number of matters that will be given to the individual to address shortly.
Meanwhile, the vacancy for Internal Auditors will be advertised soon in the media and qualified persons are welcomed to apply.