Regrello: Local government reform will serve citizens

Outlining how the regional, borough and city corporations are limited in their operations, San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello says reform would mobilise the corporations and put them in a position to better serve citizens.

Speaking at the People’s National Movement’s candidate launch at Harris Promenade in San Fernando on Saturday night, he listed some of the things local government reform could do for the people of San Fernando and the country as a whole.

He said reform would positively impact applications for building construction and renovation, and the time frame for approval of bank loans.

“We have a shortage of workers there (at the corporation). We don’t have the power or the autonomy to do the hiring. Reform will allow is to give you the service that you desire and you deserve.”

He said garbage collection was a major issue in the city. He said the garbage contractors were not based in San Fernando and were contracted on a month-to-month basis.

“Local government reform will allow us to restructure the operation and give people in San Fernando the opportunity to earn, entrepreneurs can own vehicles, we can create employment for our people. Because those contractors who are not from San Fernando bring their workers from outside of San Fernando. Charity begins at home and reform will give us the power to do those things.”

He said it would be easier and more efficient to keep up with school maintenance as he proposed to set up an agency with a budget to deal with the service and maintenance of schools.

He added that it would increase employment opportunities and encouraged youths to familiarise themselves with the meaning of local government reform and its affects.