‘Very simple, very organised’ – Min Hughes on LGE 2018

– more persons need to understand why they should vote

DPI, Guyana, Monday, November 12, 2018

Today’s voting process was “simple and well organised” according to Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes.  The minister, accompanied by her husband, Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, voted at the Providence Primary School on the East Bank of Demerara.

Minister Hughes opined that this year, more persons understood the process versus the previous LGE two years ago.

“In 2016, a lot of people weren’t familiar because we did not have it for such a long time.”

The minister opined that more persons understand the need to stand up and participate as candidates, “and most importantly, ensure that you elect suitable person from to manage the affairs of your communities.”

From the voter’s standpoint, Minister Hughes said she is happy that many more women took up the challenge to be part of the process.

“Citizens have got to get to the stage where they know how much is budgeted for their area. They must know that the first Monday in every month a statutory meeting is held where citizens make queries and raise concerns.”

According to the minister, the more citizens get involved, “the less we are going to hear the excuse that ‘work is not getting done or that it is the government’s fault. Many people do not understand that it’s not the responsibility of the government at that level. It comes down to the municipal level.”

Minister Hughes also feels that more effort should be made to get persons to understand why they need to vote.

“… And what your responsibility is as a citizen. People have begun to understand that it is their community. They have an opportunity to take control, to determine what happens, to question what is not right. We need citizens to understand that and to participate.”

Paul Mc Adam.

Images: Keno George.