Capital towns must lead national development – Granger
– promises Govt will help to strengthen local government system
The National Regional Development Consultative Committee (NRDCC) was launched on Friday, where its first meeting was held at the Marriott Hotel. During the engagement, which was boycotted by top People’s Progressive Party (PPP) officials from across the country, Government pledged to help make the local government system stronger.
According to President David Granger, the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) have a responsibility to identify areas of opportunities for investment. Granger
President David Granger poses with the Mayors and Deputy Mayors of the respective towns for a group photo
stated that when this is done, Central Government can then provide whatever assistance is necessary.
“Guyana’s development agenda depends on strong regions. The regions are the root of economic growth. And the development of the regions must be stimulated by capital towns.”
Granger pointed out that the aim was to have each town able to provide services such as health, housing, water supply, taxation and immigration. Granger also stated that every region should be able to attract investment.
Meanwhile, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan affirmed that a strong local government system was important to the coalition Administration. According to Bulkan, Government is determined to foster stronger RDCs, though it may take a while.
He stated that decentralisation and strengthening capital towns is important to ensure that services can be offered and that people do not have to travel often times long distances to Georgetown. He also noted the importance of establishing industrial estates to fuel economic progress.
Bulkan rejected the calls for a reduction of the powers of the President, noting that much power is already vested in the local government system.
He also decried the fact that Guyana was importing products that we could produce, such as plantain chips. According to Bulkan, every region is blessed with resources and so regional administrators must identify areas for potential investments.
The Minister explained that Government would then assist them in making this a reality. He noted that chairpersons were tasked with this when they were first elected.
The event also featured the unveiling of the proposed national flags for each region.
The NRDCC was announced by Bulkan last year. He had stated that within the NRDCC, inter-region consultations will be done during the year.
He had also stated that under the NRDCC, there would be regional partnerships and collaboration in order to promote development within prioritised areas. Bulkan had also stated that a platform would be afforded to consolidate ideas and articulate a coherent policy, in addition to coordinating the running of local democratic organs.
Other potential benefits which Bulkan had cited were the improved implementation of policies, programmes and knowledge sharing at regional levels, as well as the “green agenda”.
Friday’s event, however, was boycotted by the Regional Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of PPP controlled regions – Region One (Barima-Waini); Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); and Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) – which they gained control of at the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections.
In addition, the Mayors and Deputy Mayors of Anna Regina, Rose Hall and Corriverton were also absent.
