Transparency Institute reaches out to Linden municipality, RDC
As a means of facilitating dialogue aimed at assisting local agencies in tackling transparency and accountability issues, representatives of Transparency Institute Guyana Incorporated (TIGI) met with representatives of the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) in Linden.
TIGI President, Troy Thomas and one of the Institute’s Directors, Alfred Bhulai,
From left: Stephan Holder, Alfred Bhulai, Keeran Williams and Troy Thomas engaged in discussion
met with LM&TC Councillor Keeran Williams and RDC representative Stephan Holder in the boardroom of the LM&TC to discuss how the agency can provide assistance.
Speaking at the consultation on Wednesday, Bhulai said on one hand, there are Councillors and administrators who work long hours with limited resources, while on the other hand, there are citizens who are of the belief that they are not benefiting enough, more so when there are improvements elsewhere.
“It may just be a matter of sequencing and then the perception would be straightened out. This is what we’re about. We are transparency. We’re hoping to set up some mechanism whereby citizens could see what is going on and Councillors have a medium to demonstrate to citizens…,” he noted.
In responding, Councillor Williams said the Transparency Institute can play a meaningful role in helping to facilitate the conversation between Government agencies and citizens as he stressed the need for bridging the gap to create progressive dialogue.
Williams noted that while local government organs are expected to facilitate that process, often times they become consumed with service delivery. According to Williams, presently some of the greatest challenges include development of a software strategy and access to resources to provide that service; and to be able to provide basic infrastructure as well as social issues. He said it is imperative for local agencies to develop a relationship with the Transparency Institute as a means of narrowing the gap.
Meanwhile, Holder also stressed the need for more interaction and consultation with Non-Governmental Organisations and the public in order for development to take place.
Bhulai also sought to explore what mechanisms can be provided for improvement to take place between local agencies and citizens as it relates to transparency and accountability. He pointed out that in past times, notice boards would have been put up with projects and services along with the amount of monies allocated in addition to the status of such projects. He further sought to clarify if there were any public displays these days or perhaps a website which persons can consult with. In this vein, he stressed the need for moving towards development of a website for these agencies.
Thomas said the issue of lack of consultation is a recurring theme, while adding that promoting citizen involvement at the local level is a main aim of Transparency Institute. He said there must be a medium where citizens are made aware of the status of projects executed by local bodies.
He added that it is important to consult with citizens on how they can become involved. As such, in the initial step, Thomas said Transparency Institute is starting the process off by having Councillors discuss such issues through various consultations and set an agenda, possibly for the next three years. He said Transparency Institute will also move to identify voluntary community monitors who will provide feedback on what is happening on the ground in relation to transparency and accountability issues as well as to ascertain what are the transparency achievements in the region. Survey information from citizens will also be collected as part of the process. (Utamu Belle)
