Public education key to ensuring better participation at LGE

Public education key to ensuring better participation at LGE – Minister Bulkan

Apr 04, 2018 News

With the sum of $2.9 billion allocated to ensuring democratic governance at the Local Government Elections (LGE) slated for later this year, the Ministry of Communities is working to ensure a greater level of involvement at the local polls.

Minister of Communities,
Ronald Bulkan

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan had explained that the multibillion-dollar allocation from central government demonstrates its unequivocal commitment and determination towards democratic governance.
Bulkan noted that while it is the principal responsibility of the Elections Commission, the Ministry had committed to continue with its campaign on public education; something he stressed is still needed among Guyanese
“That is why the work that is being done – to help to equip and empower our local democratic organs which allow for capacity building and institutional strengthening – is so critical. It is those organs that will have the responsibility to deliver on behalf of the residents in the respective areas.”
“I will be the first to admit that there is still a great degree of lack of understanding of even what are the responsibilities of local government organs in our engagement and interaction with the public; that there is still this mindset that it is central government that is responsible for the conditions in the individual communities,” Bulkan explained.
This year will see the holding of the second local government elections (LGE) under the coalition administration.
The planned LGE in 2018 will mark the first time in the country’s post-independence history that consecutive local government elections would have taken place as legally due. The funds allocated are also in accordance with the Ministry of Communities’ responsibility to prepare the system to deliver in accordance with the strategic policy of decentralisation.
As such, the Ministry has noted that the focus for 2018 is to expand and improve participation under the theme: “shared prosperity and the good life for all”, promoting greater involvement in local government.
“Public education will serve as the vehicle for more meaningful community involvement in the management and decision making of LG (Local Government) jurisdictions to support growth, and sustainable development of LG spaces.”
According to the Ministry, as part of recognising the historic and institutionally transformative period, their strategic effort in 2018 will focus on entrenching the system and the community understanding of the role of local government.
“We will deliver this through multiple initiatives public education on constitutional and legal provisions for LDOs (Local Democratic Organs) on authority and responsibilities, and development model/policy direction to empower LDOs to manage the economic space and develop in partnership with national government.”
As part of the process, the Ministry has been actively involved in the process to strengthen the Guyana Association Municipalities (GAM) to provide effective service to all municipalities.
“The institutionalisation of the National Regional Development Consultative Committee, the Regional Development Consultative Committee, and the Regional Agricultural and Commerce Exhibition, is also part of mechanisms designed to promote entrepreneurship, investment, partnership and collaboration between and among stakeholders/agencies within a development space.”
The Ministry noted that promoting community engagement and participation, both elected and unelected components in all facets of LG operations, by training councillors and residents is also part of the agenda.
“Sustainable environmental and good practices for a green and prosperous economy will also feature high on training and awareness agenda for 2018, including the integration of the SDGs.”

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