Historic local gov’t bills passed

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL –

The suite of local government bills key to the holding of local government elections not held since 1994 was on Wednesday passed in the National Assembly with a number of government-sponsored amendments. The passage of the bills will now await the assent of President Donald Ramotar before local government elections could be held.
Late Wednesday night, the Fiscal Transfers Bill 2012, the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Bill 2012, the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2012 and the Local Government Commission Bill were passed unanimously.
Initially, Local Government Minister Ganga Persaud moved a motion for the Fiscal Transfers Bill 2012 to be read in the House for a second time. The bill seeks to enhance the autonomy of local authorities in Guyana and assist in their quest to become financially viable.

Formula
Persaud explained that the bill introduces a formula which allows governmental support to the 65 neighbourhood democratic councils (NDCs) and six existing municipalities.
However, he noted the Georgetown municipality is treated differently when compared to the other local government organs.
Junior Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker in supporting the Fiscal Transfers Bill 2012 told the National Assembly that currently local government organs depend heavily on revenues derived from rates and taxes, markets and subventions from the government of Guyana.
However, funds have proven to be difficult to garner, resulting in NDCs and municipalities being unable to effectively execute their duties.
“It is in this context Mr Speaker, that the fiscal bill, adoption of other revenues sourcing measures is to be welcomed. Including among these be it negotiating with central government for specific revenues, sharing contract… and embarking on other revenue earning projects is welcomed.”
Not problematic
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Basil Williams, who chaired the special select committee that scrutinised the bills, said the finalisation of the bill had not proven to be problematic. He used the opportunity to applaud members of the committee, especially the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) members for the integral role played in the creation of history.
Support
Following the debate on the final bill, the Local Government Commission Bill 2012, the Alliance For Change (AFC) supported the ruling party. At the level of the special select committee, the AFC and APNU had collaborated on the composition of the commission.
They had agreed to have the president appoint three members to the commission, another three based on the recommendations of the opposition leader and one appointed by the Appointment Committee of the National Assembly, while the PPP/ C had signalled its disapproval.
However, during the debate late Wednesday night, AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan said “We believe that there is an element of compromise that the AFC can bring to this bill to ensure that the administration is accommodated in how it feels about the composition of the Local Government Commission.” As a result, the AFC voted in favour of the amendments brought by the government.