Dear Editor,
I attended the opening ceremony of the 10th Parliament, and join with those who complimented the Speaker and staff on the arrangements.
I also join in complimenting the President on his maiden speech in what we referred to in the old days, as a ‘Throne‘ speech.
There was one significant disappointment: we are supposed to be quite distinct from an autocracy or a monarchy. The institution of an effective local government system defines the difference and is vital if we are to have an authentic, vibrant democracy. It is a modern local government system that releases the creative energies of our people, young and old, giving the duly elected representatives an opportunity to do things for their respective communities. This failure to mention anything about local government or to analyse the present state of local government is worrisome, if not tragic.
One cannot be blamed if judging from the behaviour of the two ministers (a waste of state resources) that the PPP administration is intent on controlling every aspect of our lives like the old imperial overlords. The people in their towns and villages must note this, and be prepared to deal with the issue when the time comes.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green JP