LOCAL Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand has announced significant increases in stipends for elected representatives at both regional and neighbourhood levels, as the government continues efforts to strengthen local governance.
The announcement was made during the Consideration of the Estimates for funds allocated to Region Four (Demerara–Mahaica), where the minister outlined improved remuneration for members of Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).
Under the new arrangements, stipends for regional councillors on RDCs will rise from $30,000 to $50,000. Meanwhile, NDC councillors will now receive $30,000, a tenfold increase from the previous $3,000.
Further adjustments were also approved for leadership positions at the neighbourhood level. NDC chairpersons’ stipends will increase from $10,000 to $50,000, while vice-chairpersons will see their payments move from $5,000 to $40,000.
“That’s something worth clapping for… I’m very pleased about these increases,” Minister Manickchand told the Parliamentary Committee of Supply.
The stipend increases come on the heels of earlier boosts to subventions for local government bodies. Municipalities now receive $50 million annually, while each NDC has been allocated $30 million. Previously, NDCs received approximately $5 million, and municipalities about $18 million.
