The local government reform process should not have lasted more than a year

Dear Editor,

The delay in holding local government elections is to be blamed on President, Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP/C. Mr Jagdeo, as the President of Guyana, allowed the task force on local government reform to run on for eight years and it still has to complete its work. This process should not have lasted more than one year, and perhaps even less had the President taken an interest in its progress rather than leaving it to the PPP/C and PNCR representatives.

After President Jagdeo and the late opposition leader set up the reform task force, the committee was left on its own. The committee hardly met, and adjourned more than it met, causing the process to be prolonged. Both parties are blaming each other for the delays. Is this the way things are run in Guyana? A simple thing like that should have taken a few months, but is allowed to run on for years. While that is happening the country and the people suffer.

If Guyana is to make progress things must be done in a much faster way. They must not be stuck in red tape and bureaucracy. The delays and slothfulness are keeping the country from developing.

Yours faithfully,
Baldeo Persaud