The Ministry of Local Government urged more community input in the municipal budget preparation and implementation when the municipalities submitted their 2012 budgets at a recent meeting.
According to a Government Information Agency press release the six municipalities – Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam, Anna Regina, Rose Hall, and Corriverton – presented their 2012 budgets to Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker for approval.
Whittaker noted that preparations of budgets have implications and activities that go beyond mere funding. In this regard, he introduced a theme “Working together to transform our cities and towns into a better place to live” since the budgets are expected to have a focus on the manner in which services are provided. Whittaker pointed out that municipalities are an important aspect in the local government structure and organised in a way to involve communities. “The expectation is that their involvement would include, but not be limited to, determining the programme, projects and activities that will make the biggest impact in their lives,” he said.
The minister said that a system similar to the community development programme the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs implemented will be introduced to garner more participation from communities in their development. Whittaker said that people must be encouraged and motivated through the officials’ leadership and performance.
