Local government must alleviate suffering

THE EDITOR: Is the paradigm shift for local government an avenue to impose new taxes on an already tax-burdened society? The paradigm shift must take into account new issues and challenges local government faces in the 21st century.

Local government must become a major element of democracy, and therefore should be written in our Republican Constitution.

This means that local government representatives must be competent to forge new alliances, strategies and partnerships with religious. sporting, cultural, business, women’s groups, trade unions, service organisations and international philanthrophic institutions.

We must seek to twin with major cities and organisations as in this age of globalisation such initiatives are imperative. This must be the genesis for the new brand of politics our country needs.

Our local government system must be driven in such a way as to create a new leadership in all spheres of governance.

The citizenry continues to cry out for amenities such as proper roads, drainage, sporting facilities, streetlights, etc.

Each regional corporation must have its own development plan and must never lose sight of its intent. Major economic partners must have an input.

Crime prevention must not be swept under the carpet, but given serious and greater attention. Crime prevention must be a part of the routine of local government.

As a matter of urgency, each corporation must establish a communications unit responsible for disseminating critical information to the burgesses.

The aims of our local government system must be aligned to the mandate of alleviating human suffering and to improve living standards. This must be the quintessential role of local government now and beyond.

PARAS RAMOUTAR

Caparo