The eight members of the new Local Government Commission (LGC) took their oath of office yesterday morning, paving the way for the body to resume oversight of local government organs across the country.
Those sworn in yesterday at the Office of the President were Clinton Collymore, Carol Sooba, and Norman Whittaker, who were nominated by the government, Clement Corlette, Joan-Ann Romascindo and Nicola Trotman, who were nominated by the opposition, and Carvil Duncan and Julius Faerber, who are representatives of the trade unions and local democratic organs, respectively. They will serve as commissioners over the next three years. The life of the first LGC expired in October 2020.
On the sidelines of the swearing in, President Irfaan Ali explained that Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Gail Teixeira facilitated consultations and in writing requested nominees for the commission from Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon. This is the first known formal consultation between the government and Harmon in his capacity as Opposition Leader.