Central Govt stands as partner in development – Pres Ali tells new Mayors

…Mayors, Deputy Mayors take oath of office

Calling for a fresh approach to governance that will advance services at the local level, President Ali has called on new leaders from the ten townships to put their political affiliation aside and harmonise with the Administration’s aggressive developmental agenda.

The Head of State’s charge came as he administered the oath of office to newly-minted Mayors and Deputy Mayors on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), coming out of the Local Government Elections back in June.
He underscored that Town Councils serve as a vital component of local authority, with the expectation of upholding good governance and enabling thriving communities.

“We must all, regardless of political affiliation, work together to improve services to communities. There are no winners when communities and public assets are neglected or fall into decay. I offer a hand of friendship and support to all Local Government bodies. Central Government stands as a partner in development,” Ali told the new officials.
The Mayors and Deputy Mayors sworn-in were Alfred Mentore and Denise Miller for Georgetown; Wainwright McIntosh and Kirk Fraser for New Amsterdam; Trevi Leung and Liane Persaud for Mabarauma; Devin Mohan and Lorna Fitzallen for Anna Regina; John Macedo and Indira Singh for Lethem; Sharma Solomon and Dominique Blair for Linden; Dave Budhu and Roydell Lewis for Rose Hall; Imran Amin and Satyanand Ramraj for Corriverton; Martin Murray and Gail Persaud for Bartica; and Eslyn Romascindo-Hussain and Akita John for Mahdia, respectively.
Now that the elections are over, Ali said it is time to work collectively and pursue the advancement of people across the length and breadth of the country. He also warned of the consequences of failures.
“Failure to deliver on this mandate could lead to detachment from national development and estrangement from the varying constituents they represent. A fresh approach to governance is now essential, one which aligns with the needs of modern times. Financial accountability, diligence in revenue collection, protection and preservation of public assets, timely and efficient services, greater responsiveness to citizens and an end to internal discord are paramount.”
In the last three years, Government’s efforts have focused on delivering massive transformation across all sectors, the President noted, adding that local officials must understand this push and the need to act expeditiously.
“It is very important that our Local Government or municipalities understand the driven-based policy agenda of the Government and understand the national priorities and imperatives that must be advanced in taking us forward as a nation. We don’t have the luxury of time to indulge in sideshows. Our time is spent and must be spent on the magnitude of the task ahead of us,” Ali voiced.
Riding on the crest of economic and social transformation, this decade will be one of rapid growth and will see the establishment of a more diversified and resilient economy. This, Ali said, would build on an integrated framework that focuses on sustainability, resilience and competitiveness of the economy.
“We are building the foundation and setting the framework for a country 2030 and beyond, that will advance development not only for those living here but for this entire region; a country that will play a leading role in food, energy and climate crisis of the world.”
He said this progress must be manifested at all levels of the system of Government: national, regional and local.
“This is why Local Government is so important. It is vital to ensuring that the dividends of development permeate through our towns, villages and communities. Citizens rightfully expect positive changes to emerge from the just-concluded Local Government Elections. It is for the respective councils to deliver on these aspirations, especially in the areas of community infrastructure, drainage, markets, daycare centres, waste disposal, better services and community enhancement.”
“Our constitution reminds us that sovereignty originates and belongs to the people. Democratic will of the people is exercised through free, fair and credible elections and is therefore sovereign and must never be derailed or become a victim of indifference or contempt,” he shared in his address. (G12)