LOCAL Government is an important pillar in the development of municipalities and communities.

Local Government according to Dr. Edwin Carrington is no longer seen as the exclusive preserve of municipalities, boroughs and councils but it now encompasses the role of numerous community-based organisations working in various fields for the development of their communities, in particular to enhance the skills of the people who live in those communities. I know that for this reason the PPP is pushing for the execution of local government elections.

I strongly believe that if the opposition really cares about the well being of their people they will work with the government to speed up the legislative process to make local government elections happen as soon as possible.

Hence, I do not see in what way the government is trying to bypass Local Government Reform after making countless efforts to hold and complete the reform process.

It is my understanding that the Local government elections were awaiting the completion of the work of the Joint Task Force on Local Government Reform and the task force which was expected to submit its recommendations in the form of legislative amendments to the Parliament for approval.

However, I read recently that, Clinton Collymore terminated the work of the task force because the PNC and the PPP are in a deadlock over deliberations in trying to resolve issues which will lead to unanimous decision about the local government reform process.

Our country needs Local Government Elections. I think that all parties should put aside their differences and work towards continued development.
S. HENRY