President David Granger has affirmed that his administration has no intention to dominate or dictate the work of local democratic councils.
The president made this affirmation at the opening of the second Annual National Conference for Local Democratic Organs yesterday.
The two-day event is aimed at empowering and equipping the 80 local organs – Municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils – to improve service delivery to the residents of their communities, towns and regions. It is being hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) under the theme “Advancing National Development through Empowered and Innovative Local Democratic Organs in a Green Economy”.
During his address, the president reminded the representatives that the government operates at three levels – national, regional and local, emphasising that these are not exclusive.
“Effective governance demands that these three levels must work cooperatively for the common good,” the Head of State said.
He added that Article 13 of the Constitution of Guyana mandates the establishment of an inclusionary democracy.
“The renewal of local democracy over the past three years, therefore, was not accidental… it evinces our commitment to the establishment of an inclusionary democracy in which our citizens will play a greater role in the management of their communities.”
According to President Granger, local democracy has restored hope and instilled vitality in communities, towns and villages across the country, with local democratic organs being the vital elements of the system.
“Local democratic councils, under my watch, will not be dominated or dictated. My administration does not desire to control local authorities. We are here to cooperate and collaborate,” the president declared.
Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, echoing the sentiments of the Head of State, noted that local democracy is an “integral part” of the democratic organisation.
