Central Govt will not meddle with functioning of LGC – President

…8 new Commissioners sworn in

President Dr Irfaan Ali has signalled the importance of a functional Local Government system that integrates professionalism and efficiency, as Guyana takes on a path of unprecedented economic and social growth.

He was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for new Commissioners of the Local Government Commission on Monday at the Office of the President in the presence of Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall and Minister within the Local Government Ministry, Anand Persaud.
New Commissioners of the Local Government Commission are Clinton Collymore, Carol Sooba, Norman Whittaker, Carvil Duncan, Julius Faerber, Clement Corlette, Joan Romascindo and Nicola Trotman – all of whom will serve a three-year term.
Ali explained that as Guyana sets itself in motion for tremendous economic and social growth, the Local Government system must take up the mantle of ensuring efficiency to aid this transformation.
“Guyana’s continuous economic development over the next decade is expected to result in economic and social transformation at all levels of our society, of which Local Government organs and local governance play a critical part in ensuring that that transformation is administered effectively and efficiently. Development, however, is foremost about improving the lives of the people. It is the Executive’s intention to ensure that the country’s forthcoming development is balanced and most importantly, safeguarded,” Ali outlined.
The Head of State indicated that Government is crafting policies for better management and execution in the local sector but the responsibility is upon the Commission to ensure its implementation. This, the President noted, will curtail some of the current bugbears faced by local bodies.
“Government is crafting policies to give effect to local development and it values the important role which the Local Government Commission can play in ensuring that the policies and programmes are not retarded by obstructionism, poor implementation, the absence of professionalism or by disputes between or within Local Government bodies.”
He said the selection of Commissioners, through the requisite constitutional requirements, points to its commitment to endorse Local Government authorities. Moreover, it was assured that Central Government will not meddle with the functioning of this constitutional agency.
“I look forward to the Commission discharging its mandate with the highest level of professionalism…I assure you of the support from my Administration and give you my personal guarantee that no attempt to interfere or interference with the discharge of your functions specified under the Constitution and the Local Government Commission Act will be tolerated,” said the President.
Article 78 (A) of the Constitution states that “Government shall establish a Local Government Commission, the composition and rules of which empower the Commission to deal with as it deems fit, all matters related to the regulation and staffing of Local Government organs and with dispute resolution within and between Local Government organs”.
The appointed Commissioners will nominate among themselves, persons to fill the roles of Chairman and Vice Chairman. (G12)