Former Region 4 Chairman Alan Munroe has been identified as the new co-chair of the Joint Task Force on Local Government Reform.
Munroe’s appointment follows the resignation of Vincent Alexander from the post, after well-publicised differences with the party leadership and its current direction. The PPP/C’s Clinton Collymore remains the other Task Force co-chair.
PNCR Vice-Chairperson Basil Williams made the announcement at a news conference yesterday, saying that the Task Force’s work is continuing and would likely stretch into the new year. Williams added that a lot of work has been completed and the committee is mainly ensuring agreements made by the parties are included in the local government legislation being drafted. On stepping down, Alexander had recommended that Williams be selected for co-chair, saying that he was more than capable of assuming the position. Yesterday, Williams said Munroe has over 21 years experience dealing with local government issues and expressed confidence in the party’s work on the Task Force.
The Task Force was set up to complete reforms crucial to the holding of long-delayed local government polls. Since 2001, it has been working to complete recommendations on an appropriate electoral system for future local government elections; and an appropriate system for making annual fiscal allocations to the local government bodies and determining the terms of reference for a constitutional local government commission.
At the same time, the Local Government (Amendment) and the Local Government Commission Bill, have been under review by the Attorney General’s Chambers. The bills are expected to reduce ministerial duties within the local government system, investing them instead in neighbourhood democratic councils, municipalities and other local government organs. Village councils are also expected to be resuscitated, while community councils will be introduced.
It was hoped that with the completion of the Task Force’s work, the polls would be held this year. Local government elections have been due since 1997.
Meanwhile, Williams also said that the party is considering persons for nomination to the vacancy on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), following the death of opposition-nominated commissioner Lloyd Joseph.