Local government hand books launched

Jul 10, 2017 News

Local Government plays a pivotal role in the management of towns, villages, neighbourhoods.
In ensuring that, these territories are mandated by law to be managed with councils or what is commonly referred to as mini governments.
As such, the Ministry of Communities with the assistance of Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED) with financial support from the Government of Canada, crafted two handbooks for councillors of the Municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.
The handbooks serve as a guide for Municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, (NDC) on their roles and functions under the Local Government Act.
The books which were launched in Region Seven on June 24, last, are said to inform the Councillors of their rights and responsibilities to assist them with managing their jurisdictions in a more efficient manner.
The handbook consists of two volumes and covers a range of topics including an overview of the local government system; the legislative authority functions and responsibilities of local government organs; the fiscal management of local government organs; the roles and functions of chair persons, etc. and the need for participation by communities among others.
During the book launch, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, noted that “the publication of this tool and resource guide is vital in the path the government wants the country to take.”
“It is my hope that it (Handbook) is being presented in a user-friendly manner so that it is easily read and understood. It consists of a wealth of information easily available. It can only be useful if it is read so administrators and councillors have to use it to manage their jurisdictions.”

Local Government hand books which were recently launched

The Minister said that the handbook seeks to return the role of local government to its rightful place. He added that availability of this document with such relevant information from the local government Act Chapter 21 and 28:02 which governs the operation of Municipal Councils, will transform each Regional Democratic Council.
Minister Bulkan noted, however, that councils have the legal responsibility for the management of their jurisdictions and he or she has the responsibility to manage their responsible area making use of the handbook.
The content of the handbook is designed to provide Councils with the capacity to be effective in its roles and responsibilities, information to residents and the role of local government and institutionalization of the local government.