Tuesday, May 13 2008

LOCAL GOVERNMENT Minister Hazel Manning, said on Sunday, any discussion on effective government must include transparency, accountability, people empowerment and participation.

“And make no mistake, Trinidad and Tobago thrives in a democracy that is alive and well, “ she told constituents of La Brea Constituency office at Majuba Road, La Brea.

Manning said continued citizens’ participation must be encouraged at all levels, particularly, in areas that impact on the quality of life and living.

She said her ministry’s Local Government reform programme was aimed at facilitating the transformation and modernisation of communities and empowering it to participate in the decision making process.

She said the Green Paper on Local Government Reform, which will be put out for public comment, outlined the roles and responsibilities of the local government bodies.

“Local government reform is about approaching business in a new way, with different attitudes and a new mind-set. Some of the focal areas outlined in the green paper describe the government’s proposal to ensure that business ventures are successful.” The minister added that small business ventures would depend on such areas as waste management, local tourism, agriculture and others that may emerge and exploited fully for their economic and financial value.

She also said increased police presence was significant in reducing crime in neighbourhoods, adding that “ a more vibrant community policing service is being proposed in the context of the provision of social services.”

“At the end of the day, however, the degree of all-inclusiveness that local government achieves, will determine whether or not the reform initiatives are merely cosmetic, or if they would result in the creation of a fair and equitable society,” she said.

Manning also announced the rebirth of La Brea, saying Government has started to roll out its master plan to develop the southwestern peninsula of the country.

Its development plan include the establishment of industrial estates, infrastructural upgrades and the construction of new ports at Brighton, Cap-de-Ville, Galeota, Moruga and Point Lisas.