PM promises policy changes for running of local government

By Kimone Witter    

 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says policy changes are coming to the management of local government in Jamaica.

 

Mr. Holness says he has been paying attention to how Jamaicans perceive local government and the visibility of councillors based on the results of recent polls, including the RJRGLEANER Communications Group commissioned Don Anderson polls.

 

Members of the public have painted a dismal picture of the stewardship of Municipal Corporations on the issues of parochial roads, drain upkeep, street light maintenance, markets, water quality and cemeteries.

 

While 62 per cent of Jamaicans said they are aware of the name of the councillor for their divisions, 53 per cent of those polled said they are unhappy with the frequency with which councillors make their presence felt.

 

Speaking to Jamaica Labour Party supporters in Portland on Monday, Mr. Holness said campaigning for the February 26 local government election has also given him the opportunity to better understand the problems in local governance. 

 

"We cannot keep local governments in the way that it has been for the last few years. Councillors have an important role to play in the development of their community. Councillors must be present in their division. Councillors must know their people. Councillors must pay attention to the issues of their community. And it is not all the time that we have active councillors. And we cannot ignore the fact of what has been said in the polls regarding how people feel about their local government," he admitted. 

 

Mr. Holness said coming out of next week's election, local governance will be transformed to make it more effective. 

 

"So don't feel as if we're going to go to a local government election and leave local government as it is. I think local government can be far more effective than it is now. Even with the resources that they have, the management of your municipal affairs is not only about money. It is also about planning. It is about vigilance. It is about follow-up. And it is about presence," he said.