Call local gov’t elections now

THE EDITOR, Madam:

From all indications, there will be a further postponement of local government elections; at the very least, the elections won’t be held by the end of February. This was the deadline given by Parliament when they were was last postponed. The continued postponement of local government elections is an infringement upon Jamaica’s democracy and a lack of respect for the municipal representatives and the people of Jamaica.

We need to give greater focus and importance to the role that local government plays in national politics and development. Successive administrations have devalued our local representatives by treating local government as an ‘unwanted child’. Our municipal councillors are integral to the smooth running of our communities. They are responsible for the proper functioning of key public and community facilities, amenities and activities. They are responsible for the collection of garbage, (provision of) homes for the indigent, local parks, sporting grounds, among many other important roles.

One of the reasons I believe that many people don’t participate in local government elections is that many people in central government pay scant regard to local government. It can’t be right that a political representative only faces the people every six, seven or eight years! In any well-respected democratic system, whenever an election is due it should be held. Simple!

Are there no brave democrats in the JLP that can impress on the leader the importance of local government and the democratic process?

ANDRE A.O. WELLINGTON