Local Gov’t Elections on front burner of new PPP/C administration

— preparations in order, date to be publicised after

— more support to be given to local organs and leaders

— Inter-Ministerial Committee to be established 

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall, during a press briefing on Monday, stated that Local Government Elections, will continue to be held under the new Administration.

“When we came into office many years ago, we were the first Government to have Local Government Elections in place in 1994, and it is also the mandate of President Irfaan Ali that the mandate continues… A date has not yet been fixed for Local Government Elections. We just recently took up office, and the fact that I mentioned it means that it is on our front burner. And as soon as the preparations are in order, those will be made publicly known.”

The Minister said the PPP/C Government is of the firm mind that local organs are especially vital to safety and community development, and by extension, regional and overall national development.

Considering that one of the most significant weaknesses found in the Local Government system is the capacity of supporting local leaders to provide efficient services for communities, the Ministry is committed to addressing this within the confines of the law.

“We also will pursue greater support to the local organs as stipulated by the laws of Guyana and by that we mean that whatever we do has to do within the confines of law and order.”

A part of this support includes providing skills training for local organs and residents and more financial support for Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), among other local bodies.

Noting that several Local Government leaders are from various political parties, Minister Dharamlall is anticipating that these leaders will put their best foot forward irrespective of political association, to foster community development.

Further, Minister Dharamlall communicated that the Ministry will lead an Inter-Ministerial Committee involving the Ministries of Public Works, Home Affairs, Health and Culture Youth and Sports.

“We will also be working with other Ministries… because the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry cuts against all sectors of our country.”

The Committee was formed under the directive of His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and is expected to be activated by the end of the week, according to the Minister.