GOVERNMENT has set aside $1 billion in the 2019 budget as fiscal transfers to support the operations and community works of the local democratic organs (LDOs) and has earmarked a sum of $2.9 billion for preparation for General and Regional Elections in 2020.
This is according to the minister of finance during his reading of the 2019 national budget in the National Assembly on Monday.

The minister noted that the low turnout relative to 2016 at Local Government Elections, held on November 12, 2018 serves as an indication to all that much more is needed to restore confidence and awareness in this important form of representation.
“It is our collective hope as a nation that Local Government and General and Regional Elections will continue to be held when due, so that we can enjoy our right to representation and, as a demonstration of our commitment to democracy,” he said.

Jordan noted that in this regard, approximately $5.4 billion has been allocated to the Guyana Elections Commission, in Budget 2019, “of which $2.9 billion will be dedicated to preparations for the next General and Regional Elections, which are constitutionally-due by August 2020.”

The minister said that in an effort to build capacity in local government bodies to help them to execute their roles and responsibilities, the government has targeted over 1,000 persons for training in areas such as planning, procurement and financial management. “In 2019, we plan to provide training and skill-building for a further eight NDCs and one municipality,” said the minister.

With a view to enhance the capacity of local organs in revenue collection, Minister Jordan said that government has agreed to invest $320 million to conduct mass property valuations over an 18-month period – between October 2018 and the first quarter of 2020.
“Following its completion, the updated valuation register will be handed over to the respective LDOs for their determination and action.

This, Mr. Speaker, will mark the first national valuation of properties in decades and will allow the LDOs to improve their revenue base, which will allow them to more effectively serve their communities and provide public services such as roads, street lights, drains and garbage disposal,” said the minister.