Georgetown: As Local Government Elections draw near officers of the Georgetown Municipality interacted with their colleagues of the Anna Regina Municipality at a two day workshop that recently concluded at Anna Regina. The Local Government Officers also examined ways in which Municipalities can improve its serve to the citizens of the respective localities
Town Clerk, Diane Critchlow in welcoming Georgetown Officers noted that the Georgetown Municipality is considered to be a model for other Municipalities and Anna Regina stands ready to partner with Georgetown and learn from the successes of Georgetown. “The Ann Regina Municipality is in need of help in many critical areas, we are cognizant that Georgetown Municipality can help” Town Clerk Critchlow said.
The Anna Regina Town Clerk, explained the many challenges the Municipality faces among them are: narrow revenue base, delinquent rate payers and stall holders, high staff turnover, these she explained have stymied the growth of the Anna Regina Municipality
The Officers discussed critical issues relevant to their field of work which included : increasing the revenue earing capacity of the Municipalities, providing joint municipal training programmes for local government officers, expanding services in critical areas to help employees in need, upgrade of rate system and improving the rate collection, street vending and its impact on towns, the need to review the current City by-Laws, reemphasizing the need and importance of the Public Health Department in the face of current environmental treats and improving relationship with critical stakeholders the need for the use of information and communication technologies restructuring the of department in the Municipality for greater efficiency .
City Treasurer Ron Mc Calmon said that Municipalities are traditionally positioned as service oriented organizations. Therefore, in the midst of economic trends and economic down turns the municipalities still have to continue to the provide service to the population and position itself to remain financially buoyant. Hence, new revenue earing endeavors must be explored and implemented for Municipalities to sustain its operations and remain relevant.
Georgetown City Treasurer Ron Mc Calmon was able to point out additional areas in which the revenue earning capability of the Anna Regina municipality can be enhanced. He referred to the Municipal and District Council Act 28:01, where areas of the laws have not been put into effect by the Anna Regina Municipality.
Deputy Town Clerk, Sharon Harry Munroe pointed to building up a good relationship with all the stakeholders including the business community, residents and vendors. She pointed to the importance of encouraging dialogue with all stakeholders
At the end of the two day programme the officers provided recommendations relevant to the areas that were discussed. These recommendations where made taking into consideration the context and culture in which both Municipalities function and the needs of the Municipalities.
The Georgetown Municipality has pledged to provide training for Police Constables and Day Care Assistants for the Anna Regina Municipality. Also, Officers from Georgetown would be seconded to Anna Regina to provide on the job training in other critical areas.
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