JLP questions local poll delay

Nicholson Lightbourne Peralto

JLP SENATOR Dorothy Lightbourne said yesterday that it would take "another two local government elections," before the proposals for reforming Local Government would be completed.

Senator Lightbourne was speaking in the Senate's debate yesterday, on two Bills effectively postponing Parish Council elections until next March. The Bills were passed despite strong opposition from the Jamaica Labour Party.

Senator A.J. Nicholson piloted the Bills amending the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation and the Parish Councils Acts.

He outlined the rationale for the delay as follows: "The move for the postponement at this time is anchored on the need to conclude vital stages of the local government reform process." He said that with the process at a "critical juncture," holding elections now would interrupt the flow.

But, the JLP Senators found his reasons, including the argument that participatory local governance must be the anchor on which a social partnership is erected, less than convincing.

Senator Dorothy Lightbourne said she was "somewhat puzzled" by the proposal to postpone the elections at this time. She argued that the reforms would take several years to be completed.

"What is outlined in the Green Paper requires another two local government elections. It means we can't have local government elections for the next six years," she said. She suggested the elections be held while the reforms take place.

Senator Ryan Peralto wanted more information than that outlined in the Green Paper presented in Parliament by Local Government Min-ister Arnold Bertram, earlier this month.

He said that while the Government has proposed four geographic regions, where 13 Parish Councils now exists, there is no indication it was committed to reducing the personnel. He pointed out that there will still be 15 elected mayors and a chairman for each region. He argued that there could be some confusion over parish and constituency boundaries, if the proposals are accepted.

Independent Senator Trevor Munroe supported the move to postpone the elections, but urged the Government to state which aspects of the process were expected to be completed within the time period.

Senator James Robertson also voiced support for the reform process, but charged that the postponement was a "crude attempt (by Government) to find a reason to put off the elections."

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