THE APNU+AFC Coalition Government believes that empowering local government authorities, without micro-management, allows them to function effectively, bringing satisfaction to the residents they serve. This is according to Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan.
“That was not happening; instead of the hand of support that was needed, what you had was a hand of control, a hand of oppression, a hand of domination and we had micro management. What we had before was a ministry interfering with the work of what our Constitution calls Local Democratic Organs. Organs that have the responsibility to manage and develop our communities,” Minister Bulkan noted. He added, “The role of the Central Government and that of the Ministry is to support the 81 organs, to build capacity within those organs, to equip those organs, to empower them to carry out their tasks, duties and responsibilities on behalf of their citizens”.
The Minister made these remarks on Sunday when he facilitated a community meeting organised by Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes, and attended by residents of East La Penitence, Georgetown. The meeting also had the participation of Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson. The event was the first consultation with residents on crafting a national developmental plan for the community.
In his address to the residents, Minister Bulkan pointed out that there is an urgent need for Local Government Elections to be held, since there is a greater need to revive the Local Government Organs within the various communities. “This is why the first priority of this Administration, as part and parcel of the repair job, is to hold Local Government Elections so that people in communities across our country can democratically elect persons that they have confidence in, to manage the affairs of their communities,” he told residents.
The Minister added that, should the current system remain in place, Government, through his ministry, will be unable to solve the many problems affecting residents. It is against this background that the Administration is working to have systems in place where Local Government Elections can be held by November, 2015.
Minister Bulkan has committed himself and his ministry to work meaningfully and sensibly with the various Local Government Organs to solve the problems of communities across the country. Local Government Elections were last held in Guyana in 1994.