By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — While the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) continues to champion its “One Guyana” platform, the opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is raising the alarm over what they describe as a “dictatorial” undermining of local government. Region 4 Councillor and Chief Whip, Shaneika Haynes, has publicly denounced the central government for allegedly sidelining Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), particularly in areas not considered government strongholds.
Speaking at a recent People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) press conference, Haynes argued that the administrative autonomy of local councils is being systematically eroded by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.
The “Overturning” of Local Decisions
Haynes highlighted a troubling administrative trend where decisions made by elected councillors are reportedly being bypassed or reversed by central government appointees.
- Overseer Interference: Haynes noted that administrative officers and overseers frequently report directly to the Ministry rather than to the elected council.
- The Policy Reversal: When a council votes against a project or identifies a local grievance, Haynes alleges the Ministry often intervenes to overturn those democratic decisions.
- Loss of Representation: “This not only diminishes the power of local government entities but also hinders councillors from adequately representing the interests of the community,” Haynes stated.
“Friends, Family, and Favorites”
Echoing sentiments from the opposition leadership, Haynes asserted that the government’s interest lies in control rather than a functioning local government system.
- Resource Allocation: She accused the administration of manipulating the system to funnel resources toward “family, friends, and favorites” rather than allowing NDCs to manage their own budgets based on community needs.
- Centralization of Power: According to Haynes, the current model prioritizes central control over the collaborative, bottom-up governance promised under the Constitution.
The Infrastructure Toll: Dust and Noise Pollution
To illustrate the disconnect between central projects and local impact, Haynes pointed to the ongoing reconstruction along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor.
- Dust Pollution: Residents have lodged numerous complaints with their respective NDCs about thick dust clouds from construction trucks. Haynes attributed this to “poor project management and a lack of dust mitigation.”
- Health Risks: The Councillor noted an increase in respiratory illnesses among East Coast residents due to the ongoing influx of sand and debris.
- Noise and Traffic: Beyond air quality, Haynes cited growing complaints about noise pollution, specifically pointing to the late hours when heavy-duty trucks are permitted to traverse residential roads.
A Call for Collaborative Governance
Haynes concluded her presentation by advocating for a model that respects the legal authority of NDCs and prioritizes community input in decision-making.
“The government is not interested in a local government system… they are there to see how much more they can control. We need a model that prioritizes the people over political favorites.” — Shaneika Haynes
The APNU is calling for an immediate review of the relationship between Ministry overseers and elected councils to ensure that the voices of residents, as expressed through their local representatives, are not silenced by central directives.
