Local Government Minister meets Region 5 RDC, NDCs, stresses accountability, improved service delivery

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand met with the Regional Democratic Council of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) on Wednesday as part of ongoing engagements aiming to provide better service delivery and strengthen governance at a regional level.

The meeting brought together Regional Development Council (RDC) leadership and senior regional officers, including the Regional Health Officer (RHO) and the Regional Education Officer (REO), to discuss key developmental priorities, challenges being faced and expectations to improve the coordination between the central and regional authorities. Manickchand used this forum to listen to the concerns of the residents, outline performance expectations and emphasise accountability in the delivery of services to residents of the region.

Earlier in the day, Manickchand also met with the members of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) from across the region, where she engaged with local Government representatives about the issues affecting their communities. That meeting focused on hearing the concerns of the NDC officials, gathering feedback and reinforcing the expectations of the central Government in the management and administration of the region.
She was joined by the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr Josh Kandai, and Principal Regional Development Officer Surendra Khayyam. Also in attendance were Regional Executive Officer Sadiek Ishmael, Regional Chairman Recardo Phillips, Vice Chairman Kleon Lindey, and other members of the RDC.