Claudia Gardner, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
PLANS TO effect major relocation of secretary/managers of the nation's parish councils have alarmed the Mayor of Lucea, Lloyd Hill.
Mayor Hill, who is chairman of the Hanover Parish Council, said such a move could set back the Government's efforts to complete local government reform by 2009.
Addressing the regular monthly meeting of the council last Thursday, Mayor Hill said, "I am wondering if it will not destabilise the whole local government reform process, as secretary/managers are really the administrative leaders of this reform process.
May disrupt deadline
"It may be said if they are all exposed to the same training, then it doesn't matter where they are. But we are also being told that each council is unique, in terms of where we stand as it relates to staff composition, opportunities and so on. I think secretary/managers should actually focus on their respective councils to ensure we meet the deadline."
Secretary/managers are the chief executive officers of the island's local authorities, responsible for planning, coordinating, directing and providing guidance to the councils.
"I am wondering where the minister stands on this, because the transfers are being executed by the Parish Council Services Commission. I am just wondering if it has the blessings of the minister (Robert Montague) as he is really leading the reform process and, certainly, any form of disruption at this time would not be in our best interest."
Good for skill exchange
When contacted, State Minister in the Department of Local Government, Robert Montague, told The Gleaner that while the move was not initiated or presided over by his department, it was one that he endorsed.
"It has my support," Minister Montague said. "The Parish Council Services Commission is responsible for employment and dismissal. I support the principle because some secretary/ managers are very innovative and have developed excellent skills, while some have not. Therefore, it is good to cross-fertilise so those innovative ones can pass on their skills to the other councils."
