LGC debunks “erroneous allegations” levied by Georgetown Mayor

The Local Government Commission (LGC) has debunked several allegations that have been made against the entity by Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine, which were labelled inaccurate and erroneous in nature.
In a recently-aired programme with presenters Sherod Duncan and Juretha Fernandes, Mayor Narine alleged that the LGC was actively working to undermine the work of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC).
LGC Chairman Julius Faerber has since debunked these allegations, noting that they were inaccurate. He then addressed the allegation made by the Mayor that the Commission received political directives in conducting its work.

The Chairman pointed out that the LGC was a statutorily independent Commission and, specifically, Section 3 (2) of the Local Government Commission Act prohibits the Commission from receiving directions on the exercise of its functions from any external authority.
The Chairman maintained that the LGC comprised a panel of eight Commissioners who were nominated by both sides of the political arena and who have outstanding professional records in their respective fields. These Commissioners are committed to dispatching their functions in an impartial and transparent manner in accordance with the law.
In another matter, the Mayor had claimed that the LGC dismissed some seven employees of the Council after disciplinary action was instituted against them. Here, Faerber clarified that these workers were found to be directly involved in a financial embezzlement scheme within the City Treasurer’s Department, based on an investigation conducted by the Constabulary Department of the M&CC.
He further observed that notwithstanding any purported disciplinary action taken by the Council, the LGC, in accordance with Section 13 of the Local Government Commission Act, is the only institution that is authorised to sanction an employee of a local government organ.

Section 13 (2) states, “The Commission shall have the power to deal with all matters relating to staffing of Local Government organs and in particular shall – be responsible for employment, transfer, discipline and dismissal of staff.”
In circumstances of proven financial misconduct at the largest municipality in the country, the LGC has an explicit legal obligation to act decisively in sanctioning such conduct.
The Chairman clarified that the LGC has a productive working relationship with all municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils across the country.
He cautioned, however, that these engagements were done at the level of the administrative and technical staff, since the LGC has no legal authority to exercise any jurisdiction over the politically-elected officials of the Councils.
Notwithstanding this, the LGC says it remains open to working with elected officials who are committed to strengthening the performance of the local government organ which they represent.