THE EDITOR, Sir:I AM pleased to see Minister Portia Simpson Miller's recent thoughts on Local Government in yesterday's Gleaner under the heading 'Central Government too large'. The empowerment of communities through local government reform is by far one of the most important reform processes to date.
Its progression and effectiveness will surely strengthen the capacity of the communities of Jamaica to be independent and autonomous in deciding their socio-economic futures; applying to the unique needs of the people in them, engaging a wider cross-section of citizens, who are probably, at present disengaged from the development process.
If the reforms are successful and they truly empower communities, it will allow for central government to take on a role of being more of facilitators to development; potentially cutting down on the size of central government. The potential of proceeding to connect with people and engage them creatively into a 'community consciousness' is definitely the main element of national development. The communities and the people are the roots and foundation of our nation. Solidifying it, nurturing it, can only produce stability and fresh fruits of national prosperity.
I therefore call for high levels of involvement and awareness in the local government reform process and for all Jamaicans to push for its urgency.
I am, etc.,
MARK BF PIKE
Xtraboy2001@hotmail.com
Countrystyle Community Tourism Network
62 Ward Avenue, Mandeville, PO Box 60
