MINISTER of Communities, The Hon Ronald Bulkan, addressed the first statutory meeting of the newly elected Georgetown City Council in a timely, hard-hitting and instructive presentation.

The minister pointed out that his government had further strengthened local government democracy with the recently concluded Local Government Elections. His government had emphatically promoted the autonomy of local government institutions since it gave ordinary folk a greater involvement in governing. He however reminded his listeners that “this policy of autonomy must be within the framework that promotes good governance.”
In urging the City Council to turn over a new leaf or, as he so picturesquely put it, “the Council must hit the reset button,” he went on to give the council a prescription which could guide their activities over the next three years of the council’s life.

In the first place, he reminded his audience that the new council seriously consider adopting President Granger’s advice of establishing “A National Capital Planning Commission.” The President gave the council that advice three years ago, but that they had never acted on it. Analogously, we of this publication had over the years urged City Hall to resuscitate the “Friends of Georgetown Committee,” which had helped the councils of the past with guidance, advice and even healthy criticism. The “Friends of Georgetown” of the past consisted of a collection of talented men and women who were willing to serve voluntarily.

Mr Bulkan went on to point out that it was not only the mayor who was responsible for the successful functioning of the council, but every councilor also. “The transformation”, he remarked, “will only be possible if each of you commit yourself to ensuring the proper management of the city…All eyes are not only on the mayor, but on the council, as to how it would tackle the age-old problems that continue to beset the city.”

He emphatically urged the M&CC to reconnect with citizens, businesses and other stakeholders. He particularly underlined the cultivation of close relations with the business community and felt that the tripartite committee which promoted dialogue between the council and the private sector be resuscitated. He enjoined that the council “should seek to ensure an investment-friendly climate by taking steps to reduce unnecessary delays in the issuance of building permits.” At the recently concluded commission of inquiry, it came out that more than one businessman had suffered serious financial losses of millions of dollars because of delays in granting building permission.

The minister touched on the well-known refrain from City Hall that they do not have enough money to fully execute their municipal duties. He told them that money has to be used constructively, always seeking the best value for money. In this way, the money available could have an adequacy. In his own words, “Undertaking the Herculean tasks will necessitate the crafting of a well structured and reasoned plan that will prioritise and synchronise activities of the Council, thereby assisting with the efficient usage of already limited resources.”

He stressed the absolute necessity of planning which must be done shrewdly and inclusively. Activities are not to be done in an ad hoc manner as has often been the case, but must be related to a larger plan and larger goal. He touched on the problem of corruption and transparency which was part of the criticism long levelled at City Hall. In the minister’s words, “The work of the entire council was brought into disrepute in the absence of checks and balances. Strict monitoring will ensure value for money, accountability and transparency. Citizens must not only hear of an achievement, but more importantly be satisfied as to the value of the expenditure.” In this regard, his ministry’s audit department would ensure that the municipality’s accounts are audited yearly.

He reminded the council that they must continue to confront the challenges such as illegal vending and its proliferation, drainage, security, solid waste management, squatting on municipal reserves and zoning, among others. The minister was trying to infuse a new spirit of achievement and service into the council and to have them avoid the heavy lethargy which had affected past councils. He presented an agenda which was achievable during the life of the present council, but which needed hard work and persistent efforts. It is our hope and wish that this City Council would break free of the recent pattern and blossom into a creatively run and respected institution.