MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, alongside the staff of the Ministry, on Tuesday, visited Bushlot, West Coast Berbice, to inaugurate the region’s first-ever training programme for Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) Councillors and Overseers.
This initiative marks a significant step in fulfilling a key commitment from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) manifesto to bolster the capacity of local democratic organs.
The training programme, which was officially launched on July 26, 2024, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, initially benefitted hundreds of local officials from Region Four.

Tuesday’s session in Region Five attracted participation from all ten NDCs within the region, showcasing a strong commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of local governance.
In her keynote address at the opening ceremony, Minister Parag underscored the crucial role that local officials play in community engagement. She emphasised the importance of actively listening to residents’ concerns, operating within the legislative framework, and maintaining professionalism and efficiency in their duties.

Minister Parag urged NDC Councillors to maintain a strong and visible presence in their communities, highlighting the importance of their unwavering commitment to serving the public.
The event was also attended by prominent officials, including Member of Parliament Mr. Faizal Jafarally, Regional Chairman Mr. Vickchand Ramphal, Regional Vice-Chairman Mr. Rion Peters, and Acting Regional Executive Officer Mr. Deolall Rooplall, further underscoring the significance of this initiative.

The comprehensive training programme, which will be implemented across all regions of Guyana, is themed “Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building among the Local Democratic Organs Focusing on Financial Management and Accountability.”
It covers a wide range of critical topics, including the Legal Framework of Local Government, the role of Overseers, Accounting and Finance, Community Engagement, the role of Environmental Health Officers, Committees of Council, and Record Keeping. This training aims to equip local officials with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance governance and ensure greater accountability within their respective councils.
The initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on the effectiveness of local governance in Guyana, as it empowers officials to better serve their communities and contribute to the country’s overall development.