MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, on Friday last, handed over a $35 million subvention to 14 Region Three Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to improve service in their respective communities.

During the simple ceremony at the office of the Regional Democratic Council, Minister Dharamlall said the disbursement was 50 per cent of the NDCs’ allocation. He said there should be no discrimination by the NDCs when serving the people.

“Our government’s position is very clear in terms of how we do our work and we expect a minimum of excellent performance from you. We recognise that Chairs of NDCs and overseers especially being statutory officers of the NDC, the Chairs being elected officers but they have certain statutory functions, that they are going to conduct themselves in a manner that is free of any discrimination and victimisation.

“Our position is that we are one Government for all of Guyana and that is how we must conduct ourselves.”
Minister Dharamlall said the government will continue to work with the NDCs to overcome challenges in delivering services to the people. However, he added that while the government would be doing the heavy lifting, the NDCs are expected to ensure the resources are maintained.

“In the next few weeks, all the NDC areas are going to have more roads constructed. This is something that you are aware of. We are going to have the Parika market, for example, reconstructed in the next few months.

“We are going to have a lot more investments in the agricultural sector of the region as well as other types of infrastructure works. His Excellency the President has been speaking extensively and we have been pushing extensively for greater development going south through the Wales Development Authority, so Region Three is poised for massive expansion,” he said.

The minister noted that it was important for local leaders to recognise the direction the government was taking to pursue development. Minister Dharamlall also called on the NDCs to do their duties with integrity. Region Three Chairman, Mr. Ishan Ayube; Vice-Chairman, Mr. Omesh Satyanand and Regional Executive Officer expressed similar sentiments during the ceremony. (DPI)