Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Aug 03, 2015 Editorial
Since elected to office more than two months ago, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has focused firstly on the corrupt practices of the former administration; secondly, on restructuring the economy and diversifying export earnings; and thirdly, on modernizing governance towards an effective and empowered Parliament.
Indeed, Parliament must be empowered to act independently of the executive branch in order to be effective. It is primarily concerned with national policies, budgets and legislation as well as guarding the public interest against corruption, malfeasance and maladministration from the central government.
The government is also focused on local government elections which were last held 20 years ago. Despite some grumblings from the PPP, the government realized that the country cannot go forward without local government elections which according to the Minister of Local Government, will be held in December.
The election will promote good and effective governance at the local level and elevate the local communities beyond minor district development and maintenance such as garbage collection and cleaning of drains and waterways to a more respectable status.
Local municipalities should be the principal agent for development in the communities and the instrument for greater effectiveness in the deployment of national resources. It is the requisite path towards greater national efficiency, higher productivity and improved international competition in terms of economic output.
The primary goal of Local Government Elections is the decentralization of power. To achieve this, the role of central and local government would be redefined according to the functions of each. Whereas, the role of the Central Government is to develop and implement national policies, allocate finances and pass legislation. Local government must be the main executing agent of the state. Obviously there are exemptions.
The Central Government is responsible for national defense, foreign affairs, and the administering of ports and airports, civil aviation, highways, the energy sector, electricity and water, among others.All others must be handled by local government in conjunction with the private sector and civic society.
Under such arrangement, decentralization of power through local government elections would be the key to stir economic growth and activities in the local communities, minimize bureaucratic mistakes, and deepen democracy by involving the citizens in the decision-making process. It is an effective, efficient and accountable system in that it empowers the people.
Local Government Election is needed to bring greater autonomy to the rural communities with some measure of self-financing for local development which should be achieved through the retention of certain rates and taxes and regional corporations. But allocations of finance from the central government would always continue based on the developmental needs and revenue earning capacity of each region.
Local Government Election is needed to ensure the cohesion of regions and participation by the citizens in the affairs of their community. These are very important steps towards empowering the local communities.
With appropriate autonomy, adequate resources and proximity to the people, Local Government Elections could boost development in the local cities and the rural areas by bringing untapped talent and resources into the mainstream which will generate new wealth.It could also lead to a national rebirth and engender political evolution throughout the country.
In the minds of the citizens, communities would eventually take precedence over political parties. Therefore, the need for the people to identify with a political party would gradually fade away thus removing the political tribalism that for five decades had stifled economic growth and hindered development.
A greater sense of self-determination and confidence would incrementally fill the void. Feelings of disenfranchisement after General elections would also recede and politicians would then need to measure up because local government would empower and unite the people.
JAGDEO ADDING MORE DANGER TO GUYANA AND THE REGION
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