Georgetown: President David Granger, Thursday morning, attended the Opening Ceremony of the National Conference of Local Democratic Organs (NCLDO) 2019 at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal.
In his address, the Head of State said Guyana is moving forward. “Local democracy has been restored. It has resulted in the economic and social revitalisation our communities. Capital towns are being prepped to become engines of development. Neighbourhoods and villages are enjoying the dividends of local democracy through ever- improving services. Local democratic organs are part of this infectious spirit of revival of local government. They are being re-energised to continue to improve citizens’ lives,” he said.
President Granger noted too that people are paramount and the improvements in citizens’ well being therefore should not become a source of partisan division.
“There should be no room for partisanship when it comes to the welfare of our citizens. We have to work together, across the divides of class, geography, politics and race to bring improvements to our people. It is regrettable that this forum, intended to promote cooperate and coordination for the common good, has become a victim of a partisan boycott,” he stated.
President Granger reminded that local democratic organs are being empowered, not enfeebled. “We have unshackled them from domination and miniaturisation by central government. Local democratic organs are being re-positioned to become partners with and not parasites on, central government. Local democratic councils, under my watch, will not be dominated or dictated to. My administration does not desire to control local authorities. We are here rather to cooperate and collaborate. We will continue to pursue a non- intrusive approach to local governance, which we started four years ago.”
Local government, the Head of State said, is “overcoming the legacy of neglect, political interference and maladministration.”
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