Georgetown: The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region #10 has successfully completed its Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD) and discussions are underway to identify the implementation arrangements necessary to bring the PARD to fruition.
While, this is a significant development for Region 10, it is a major accomplishment for Guyana’s local governance system and democratic process. In fact, it took Guyana 35 years to honour Article 77 of the Constitution, which states: “The development programme of each region shall be integrated into the national development plans, and the Government shall allocate funds to each region to enable it to implement its development programme.”
Delivering remarks at the second Round Table Discussion on PARDs, today, at the Herdmanston Lodgde, Georgetown, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan recalled that President David Granger at the swearing-in ceremony of Regional Chairpersons following the 2015 General and Regional Elections charged them to create PARDs.
The Minister noted that Regional Officials were reminded of the President’s charge at the Regional Democratic Council Leadership Forum held in July 2015. Following their endorsement, Region 10 was selected to be the pilot Region through a consultative process.
The lessons learnt whilst crafting Region 10’s PARD will be used to the benefit of the Regions. According to the Minister, Budget 2016 caters for the completion of PARDs for two additional Regions. He noted that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that this is achieved and wants to begin crafting PARDs for two more Regions.
For the benefit of the other Regions, Regional Chairman Rennis Morian made a presentation on Region 10’s PARD. Those in attendance include Minister within the Ministry of Communities Dawn Hastings-Williams, Regional Chairpersons, Regional Executive Officers, Permanent Secretary Emil Mc Garrell, Deputy Permanent Secretary Abena Moore, Director of Budget of the Ministry of Finance Sonya Roopnauth, among other staff of the Ministry of Communities.
Morian is confident that the successful implementation of PARD will position Region 10 as the new frontier of development. He noted that the sustainability of the PARD depends on residents and its financing depends on the Region, Central Government and the private sector.
He noted that the PARD is a working document that caters for long-term development. Its estimated cost of implementation is GY$22.62B and would require additional skilled staff, institutional strengthening, and a lot of hard work.
The main aim of Region 10’s PARD is “Enhanced Environmentally- Sustainable Economic and Social Development in Region 10.” To this end, systems have to be put in place to enhance the welfare of the population; increase diversification of the regional economy, enhance environmental sustainability, and improve regional planning and administration.
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