Local democracy was absent

Nov 07, 2018 Letters

Editor,
The Ministry wishes to refute the baseless and myopic assertions made by Mr. Rudolph Singh in his letter titled, “After spending $1.5 billion, very little will change after LGE” [KN Nov 4, 2018].
While on a general note, the Ministry is heartened that local government has found its way, as it rightfully should, in the national discourse, the unwarranted public bashing of the system and efforts directed at its resuscitation and rehabilitation are frequent and seem to be the fun thing to do.
Despite its ‘enthusiastic’ campaign in these elections, the PPP and its acolytes ironically continue to question the relevance of the system of local government and in so doing continue to expose their opposition to people’s empowerment.
In his myopic tirade, Singh lamented that $1.5 billion will be ‘wasted’ on local democracy. At minimum, he was able to get at least one thing right, i.e., democracy is costly. It begs the question, can we afford not to make such an investment?
On the other hand, is Mr. Singh suggesting that we revert to the old system by which the Minister of Local Government sits in his Fort Street Kingston office and handpick local leaders for our ten towns and 62 neighbourhood democratic councils and impose them on residents in the form of Interim Management Committees (IMCs)?
Singh should ask the Bartica Town Council of the onerous liability it inherited from the odious IMC that was imposed on the people by Mr. Ganga Persaud. Same for the Ireng/Sawariwau now Lethem Town Council imposed also by Mr. Persaud.
Up until the holding of local government elections in March 2016, local democracy has been absent for over two decades. So far removed was the concept of local government that many persons are unaware of its functions and benefits.
The restoration of functionality is therefore not an overnight occurrence but is a process that this administration has demonstrated unwavering commitment towards. This administration is not labouring under the delusion that LGEs is the panacea to rehabilitating the system and that with the holding of elections, development is axiomatic as is suggested.
To the contrary, after years of intentional neglect to the system of local government, the regular holding of elections is a first step to the restoration of functionality to the system. The renewal of the democratic credentials is, therefore, part of our three- pronged approach; the other two being institutional strengthening and capacity building and strengthening the financial security and funding of councils.
Much has been done with regard to the latter two, which continues to be a work in progress. Citizens are now empowered and many are seizing the opportunity to improve the management of their areas.
The Ministry will not engage Mr. Singh on his misplaced pessimism in relation to the issue of improvement in services offered by councils. While there is certainly room for improvement, the transformation that took place in many communities post March 2016 is there to show the difference good governance makes.
The system of local government ought to be given a chance to function. We encourage eligible voters not to be distracted. Citizens are reminded that their vote matters and should be used on November 12 to select the best possible leadership for their community. This is visible proof that you are interested in the development of your communities.
Minister of Communities
Ronald Bulkan

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