Even beyond the legal prescription for the establishment of a Local Government Commission (LGC), the government is especially looking forward for its operation as a “crucial” measure to ensure that its work is not undermined.
That fact was noted today as General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo had his weekly engagement with the media.
Jagdeo, who also serves as Vice President of Guyana, confirmed that moves are afoot to have the commission set up as soon as possible.
He said, “It is the desire of the government to get the Local Government Commission in place and it will be done shortly that is why the Leader of the Opposition (Aubrey Norton) was written to.”
Jagdeo said that Norton was written some time back, in keeping with the Local Government Commission Act, for his nominations. Jagdeo presumed that Norton might have already responded. He added that it is now left for nominations to be made at the ministerial level. Thereafter, President Dr. Irfaan Ali will make the appointments.
Jagdeo told the media that the commission is “crucial now particularly with the pernicious plot by the mayor and those of his ilk… They are trying to put more pressure on people with the hope that they will blame the government then result in more favorable view of APNU/AFC in the electoral process.”
The Local Government Commission is set to have seven members. According to the Act, the commission will monitor and regulate the activities of local government bodies. The commission is also meant to handle staffing issues, dispute resolution, and policy review.
