The cry of the citizenry is for Local Government Elections!

Oct 21, 2014 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,
Citizens! Listen for a change! Take a walk with me. Through the marketplace, down the pavements of Guyana, into God-forsaken rum shops or dare we press our ears against the doors of Parliament’s meeting chambers? What is the question resounding in the hearts of many Guyanese; which inhabits their debates, speculations, and bold and sarcastic jokes? “Why are Local Government Elections needed in Guyana?”
In my humblest submissions, I will present several pertinent reasons.
Firstly, it promotes democracy: In 2011 President Ramotar stated, “I think we are in a really desperate need for local government elections…Many of the problems we have at the level of the communities have to do with the fact that there is a need for renewed democracy on the ground.”
Guyana is a democratic sovereign state, but Guyana’s last Local Government Elections were held in 1994. Constitutionally they were due on December 1, 2011. French philosopher Rousseau observed that local government is a good training ground for democratic development. Quite unacceptable then is the fact that Guyana pledges its commitment to democracy but stifles cries for local government elections; thus, it should be prepared to devolve powers.
Secondly, it reduces authoritarianism: The main problem seems to be the reluctance of the governing party to release its central government stranglehold on local authorities. But when it constituted the opposition it always promoted “the value and importance of empowering people at the level of the communities to manage the communities.”
The presence of local government demands the decentralization of power. Miller (speaking at NDI 2002 conference) describes its overconcentration at the centre as a “distinctive feature…which is inimical to several basic tenets of good governance.”Local governments increase the number of persons meaningfully involved at different levels.
Thirdly, it increases public participation: Guyana purports to be a democratic state, but apart from electing its parliamentary representatives, can the people truly say they are involved in government? Local governance fosters greater participation. Guyanese can influence decisions about service provisions. By placing the responsibility for managing local affairs and development in the hands of the people, Guyanese become more involved in government; develop a stronger relationship with central government and develop the knowledge and understanding of issues and facts relating to such matters. Hence, “they are able to critically appraise the performance of local governance in these areas.”
Fourthly, it reduces alienation: “What about us?” the forgotten ask. The ambassadors of the US, UK, Canada and European Union issued a joint statement: “Local government elections offer one of the most important avenues for…groups typically under-represented to participate in the development of their communities to participate in development…and influence policies.” Every voice counts!
Fifthly, it creates employment: With more functions being performed at the local level, job opportunities will be created for Guyanese with technical, managerial and leadership skills. Brain drain is not alien to Guyana and has led to foreign experts controlling basic services. With local government, “development is driven locally, rather than by external agents.” This means that solutions will be better tailored to suit our local problems and local conditions.
Finally, it increases public confidence in government: Local government is suited to the provision of basic level services. A strong local government with the capacity to effectively manage local affairs means greater efficiency. Greater efficiency means happier Guyanese. Happier Guyanese means a citizenry who respect and embrace policies and respond positively to leaders who have access to the needed resources and authority. The IMCs? Not what the people favour!
In concluding, did you know that in 2004, Guyana was applauded for taking steps in the right direction toward achieving strong and viable local governments? Barbados, on the other hand, had long dismantled its local government system. Could Guyana be considering a similar decision?  If so, Guyana, let the aforementioned reasons convince you otherwise.
The presence of this participatory model promotes democracy, reduces authoritarianism, increases public participation, reduces alienation, creates employment and increases public confidence in Government.  The cry of the citizenry is for Local Government Elections!
Raeanna Clarke
Blue CAPS

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