Dear Editor,
The continued non-functioning of the Local Government Commission (LGC) represents one of the most serious threats to local democracy and effective governance in Guyana today. While much attention is often focused on central government affairs, the reality is that municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across the country are being severely hampered in their ability to function efficiently because the constitutionally mandated body responsible for overseeing personnel matters in local government remains absent.
The consequences of this situation are being felt daily in local authorities throughout Guyana. Several municipalities and NDCs are currently confronted with serious disciplinary issues involving staff members. Cases of alleged pilfering of public funds, insubordination, absenteeism, dereliction of duty, and other forms of misconduct remain unresolved because councils lack the authority to effectively address these matters in the absence of a functioning Commission.
Equally troubling is the inability of local authorities to recruit, appoint, promote, transfer, discipline, or remove staff in accordance with established procedures. Many councils are operating with critical vacancies that affect service delivery to citizens. Dedicated employees who deserve promotion based on merit and performance remain stagnant, while local authorities struggle to fill essential positions necessary for the efficient management of their communities.
This situation is not merely an administrative inconvenience; it is a direct violation of the spirit and intent of Article 75 of the Constitution of Guyana, which guarantees a system of local democratic organs as an integral part of the governance framework of our country. Local government cannot be truly autonomous if local authorities are stripped of the ability to manage their own human resources through the mechanisms established by law.
The continued failure to ensure the proper functioning of the Local Government Commission effectively removes key management rights from democratically elected councils. This is unconstitutional in practice and creates an environment where disorder, uncertainty, and administrative paralysis flourish. It undermines accountability, weakens local institutions, and frustrates the ability of councillors to fulfil the mandate entrusted to them by the electorate.
Good governance requires functioning institutions. Democracy requires respect for constitutional bodies. The absence of the Local Government Commission is a direct assault on both principles. It weakens local democracy, centralises authority, and leaves municipalities and NDCs vulnerable to inefficiency and dysfunction.
The Government must immediately act to ensure that the Local Government Commission is fully constituted and operational. Local authorities cannot continue to operate with one hand tied behind their backs while critical personnel matters remain unresolved.
The people of Guyana deserve local government institutions that are empowered to function effectively and independently. We must not remain silent while constitutionally guaranteed rights are eroded and democratic institutions weakened. It is time for all Guyanese who believe in democracy, accountability, and good governance to speak out against this continued assault on local government autonomy.
Enough is enough. The functioning of the Local Government Commission must be restored without further delay.
Yours faithfully,
Sherwin C. Benjamin
General Secretary
People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)
