LOCAL government bodies met yesterday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, in a workshop session designed to craft a template of clear guidelines for the development of municipalities. The workshop under the theme, “Unveiling a Vision for Municipal Development” also discussed their roles in Local Government Elections (LGE).
They also gave consideration to the promotion of economic growth conditions, increasing employment generation and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
The event was held with the Ministry of Communities Development of Plan of Action for Municipal Development in collaboration with Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED).

The project is being undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada. In attendance were representatives of the six municipal departments, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, Permanent Secretary Emil Mc Garrell, Canadian High Commissioner Pierre Giroux, and CARILED Coordinator Roger Rogers, among others.
Chairperson of the event, Principal Municipal Service Officer Nandranie Harrichan said the activity focused on receiving input collectively from key players in creating a standardised template for the process and development within the six municipalities.
She said with a clear plan of action, the municipal councils will be able to achieve their vision and ensure effective and efficient service is delivered to citizens.
“It will also advance local economic development and ensure sustainability in communities which will spur job creations and reduce poverty and have a positive impact on society at large,” Harrichan said. “There will also be consultation with NGOs, private sector and chamber of commerce as part of the process.”
Canadian High Commissioner Pierre Giroux in his remarks said Canada’s initiative in local governance in the Caribbean supports constituencies which contribute to economic development.
“Events such as today’s workshop highlight the primary care that the Government of Guyana places on local economic development… I am therefore very pleased to join the workshop to update the municipal development plan of Guyana.”
Underlining that the long-term sustainability of the workshop will depend on the hosting of Local Government Elections, the Canadian envoy said the Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED) is aimed at sustaining economic growth and development by helping government implement programmes, policies and service that promote enterprise and attract businesses.
The ambassador said the project is implemented across four administrative regions namely Regions 2, 3, 4 and 6. These regions have a spectrum of opportunities and challenges working with municipalities, Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) and the Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).
“Across the four democratic regions CARILED has provided training in economic development including management, sourcing funds and resources. CARILED has also completed local economic profiles in all four regions,” the diplomat related.
The workshop is expected to generate lessons, approaches and practices which will improve local, national and regional policies that create an environment for local economic development.
He also added that Canada is willing to support Guyana’s development and will be assisting in relevant ways that will benefit society at large.

INCLUSIONARY DEMOCRACY

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan said for over two decades the previous administration had displayed a reluctance to implement the type of root and branch that can lead to inclusionary democracy.
He explained that prior to the time of independence, Guyana enjoyed a more effective and meaningful system of local government than probably most Caribbean societies. Many of the Caribbean countries back then probably sent their policy makers to Guyana to learn about local government.
“It is unfortunate that today as we are approaching our 50th independence anniversary, we have allowed our system of local governance to degenerate into this extent which has detrimental impacts and effects on our country,” Minister Bulkan lamented.

TOWNSHIP STATUS

Meanwhile, the minister noted that township status will be eventually given to Mabaruma in Region 1, Bartica in Region 7 and Lethem in Region 9.
He further noted that local governance bodies play a vital role in supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) through local economic development as a promoter broker of alliances, partner facilitator and advocate.
Bulkan noted that MSMEs contribute up to 90 per cent employment and 70 percent GDP in middle income Caribbean and Latin American countries.
CARILED Coordinator Roger Rogers said the Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED) is a six-year project that works with Caribbean and Canadian partners. The project helps local governance bodies create a more competitive enabling environment that support new and existing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He explained that CARILED also strengthens the capacity of local authorities to promote job creation and economic results for women and men and an improved governance environment towards local economic growth.
Rogers further said that CARILED promoted and shared good practices in local economic development with 14 Caribbean countries focusing its first phase on the seven countries of Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.
Permanent Secretary Emil Mc Garrell said the exercise is strategic as local government organs begin to understand their role, adding that “leadership must come from our six municipalities… this process you must own and you must lead.”