Norman Whitaker was sworn in as the new Local Government Minister by President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President on Wednesday.
Norman Whitaker receiving his letter of appointment from President Bharrat Jagdeo
After the brief official ceremony, Whitaker told media operatives that his vision for transforming the Local Government Ministry includes building the capacity of not only ministry employees, but those at the regional level, to be able to work with efficiency in offering better service to members of the public. “Well, the expectation is we will be working as a team, so I have to get on-board and get familiar with what the officers have been doing.” He added that he would like to see more people involved in development, as he feels many have become complacent and participate less in community activities and decision making. One of the goals of the ministry under his leadership will be to ensure that local government elections are held.
“This is our party’s wish, and our presidential candidate Mr. Donald Ramotar has made that clear at a recent private sector meeting.” Whitaker added that he would like the process to begin at the earliest opportunity, with the party looking at 2012 as the prospective year for elections.
While he was not able to disclose all of the plans he has to deal with issues occurring at City Hall, the minister stated that his ministry will be working to cut the expenditure of City Hall. “We have the issue of controlling expenditure, and also the problem of debt collection.” City Hall, he noted, has requested the Local Government Ministry to table legislation to permit them to expand their revenue base, mainly by charging higher taxes and offering more services to increase revenue; but he said that, in light of the situation at City Hall, their responsibility and management practices have come under scrutiny, which the ministry will be considering as well.
