Bridging the Gap 

— Min. Dharamlall commits to strengthening governance through citizen empowerment

— more focus on development, safer communities, providing basic amenities

DPI, Guyana, Monday, August 10, 2020

As the new administration continues to deliver on its manifesto, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is committed to filling an existing gap between government and citizens.

This is expected to be done through community enhancement and empowerment. Moreover, it will be done under the management of the subject Minister, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall, and Minister with the Ministry, Hon. Anand Persaud.

“The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, through the manifesto of the People’s Progressive Party, has outlined a vision which, we believe, is going to enhance and improve the relationship we have with our citizens,” Minister Dharamlall stated.

The Minister was at the time hosting a press conference at the Arthur Chug Conference Centre (ACC) this morning.

“Importantly, it will serve to create an atmosphere where all involved at the national level, at the regional level and the local level that there is a singular space in which we all operate” he added.

This vision, Minister Dharamlall noted, is in keeping with the wishes of His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Therefore, the Ministry will be working on a bottom-up approach, whereby policies are discussed among the regional and local level before implementation.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall

[From left] Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall, and Minister within the Ministry, Hon. Anand Persaud.

Minister within the Ministry, Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Anand Persaud.

Meanwhile, Minister Persaud maintained that the focus will also be placed on providing communities with key amenities.

“I want to tell the citizens of all ten administrative regions that we intend to work to enhance their regions, their communities, and the welfare of the citizens and that is to do with roads, lights, water, drainage and irrigation,” Minister Persaud asserted.

Putting work to words, the Ministers have already begun to lay the groundwork. They have also met with several regional bodies to discuss the way forward, including Regional Executive Officers, and Health Officers, concerning various issues including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moving forward, citizens are expected to have more access to local government bodies and take part in leadership within their communities.

The focus will also be placed on solid waste management, which has been a continuous problem over the years. Also, on the priority list is enhancing infrastructure, providing safer communities, and working with other ministries to ensure wholesome development.