Dear Editor,
President Ramotar is reported to have recently told Barticans that their community should be elevated to the status of a township soon.
The extract from an advertisement late in 2009 shown below should be of interest to the President and the residents to whom he spoke. It is self-explanatory.
At least a progress report should be forthcoming by now, certainly to the funding agency involved.
“…Consulting Services for Strengthening Urban Management and Administration…
“The Government of Guyana (GOGY) has secured a Technical Assistance Grant from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to assist in financing consultancy services for strengthening Urban Management and Administration in four communities which are to be upgraded to townships.
These are located in the Essequibo area of Guyana viz. Bartica, Charity, Parika and Supenaam. GOGY has appointed the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MLGRD) as the executing agency for the provision of consultancy services for strengthening Urban Management and Administration in the four communities.
“The objectives of the consultancy are to enhance the institutional capacity of the four municipalities to deliver urban services; to prepare the Neighborhood Democratic Councils, (NDCs) to perform the responsibilities of urban management; and to install relevant systems and capacity which will elevate the municipalities to the status of towns. The consultants will facilitate the implementation of management, financial administration and budgeting systems; strengthen tax collection and enforcement mechanisms and support the NDCs in developing and enhancing their capacity to manage urban infrastructure including roads, drainage and sanitation systems.
“MLGRD invites eligible consultants or joint ventures of consultants to submit statements of Capability for the provision of these consultancy services. In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to the technical competence, qualifications and experience, local and regional experience on similar assignments, financial capability and present commitments. All information shall be submitted in the English language.“
Yours faithfully,
E B John
