THE Local Democratic Organs (LDOs) when they were established in 1980 were meant to decentralise government and bring it closer to the people in the respective areas, in order that they can elect their leaders and determine their unique dreams, aspirations and programmes.

Thirty-seven years after, while it is reasonable to expect this form of government would have progressed further not only in appreciating its importance in democracy but also exploiting the resources of each area for the development of the people within, it is never too late to get one’s act together.

If Guyanese can only recognise and appreciate how the desire to self-determine, be respected, and treated as equals is not unique to any group but a desire of all, it may help the process building a democratic society. This desire also does not ignore the importance of institutional support from national government be it in training, education, laws and other resources to make it possible.

Looking at the demarcation of the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and the Town Councils, they incorporate demographics from across the diverse spectrum with common goals even as some level of independence is enshrined. This should advise us of the importance in our intertwined relations, respecting each other and building a society where comity prevails.

Local Government elections having come after a decade and a half, and where in the past Central and Regional Governments may have determined the management of this tier of government, even imposing Interim Management Committees, it requires focused effort in helping the local authorities to carry out their mandate as per national laws and respective by-laws.

In recent weeks, outside of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council having to deal with its challenges of governing, Region Nine Vice-Chairman resigning, and Region Five RDC and its Regional Executive Officer (REO) holding different views as to governing the region, there was the REO of Region Two clashing with the Regional Chairman and the Anna Regina Town Council as to who is in charge or has the authority to do what. Reportedly the clash has to do with the filling of a drain in front of the Department of Education, at Cotton Field on order of the REO and without consultation with and approval from the Town Council.

There are expected to be clear demarcations as to roles and responsibilities of persons, areas and services provided by tiers of government (national, regional and local) to make them effective, though the RDC is somewhat murky. The role of the REO, who is also the Clerk of the RDC and its administrative head given the absence of regional government laws is yet to be well-defined.

Whereas the Municipality Act, Chapter 28:01 gives authority to the towns as to what they can and cannot do, in regional government where laws still await as to how they should function and what authority they have, directives are likely to come from Central Government.

The Region Two situation brings to the fore the importance of putting legislation in place to avoid clashes between the towns and RDCs. Without it being considered as belabouring the point, the Ministry of Communities is once again being nudged to appreciate the premium for laws to effect management of the regions and leadership/management training and education for its leadership to strengthen this tier and minimise un-necessary conflicts.

In this era of the nation’s political evolution, the LDPs see leadership from the governing APNU+AFC and the Opposition PPP/C which would likely breed conflicts, often unnecessary and debilitating to the people’s welfare. In our politics where ill-advisedly even after elections are over, some are disinclined to respect the will of the people or work with others in the interest of all the people, it poses difficulty in getting things done.

Having said that, the REOs particularly those working in the regions won by the PPP/C will likely clash with the RDCs, given that this officer may see his/her role as answerable to Central Government or the Council and is unlikely to cooperate with him or her.  But this approach should not find acceptance as part of normal governance and all efforts must be made to foster and maintain respectful relations.

The issue of who is in charge is guided by the law and while the REO is the Region’s Chief Executive Officer, however well-meaning his or her intent be, the Municipality Act vests authority in the councillors and clerk of the town for activities that fall within the township.